Arsene Wenger and the pursuit of the post-ego

For some years, a subtle trend has been gaining momentum at the Arsenal. It's hard to trace the precise moment it began, but for the sake of argument, I will earmark the moment Wenger chose to sacrifice Robért Píres for the incoming Manuel Almunia after Jens Lehmann received that now infamous red card in the Champions League Final in Paris in 2006.

Píres, one of the elder statesmen of the squad, had played an integral part in us reaching the 2006 final. The occasion represented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the suave winger to ply his trade in one the world's most lauded competitions, in front of a capacity audience, in his home town.

The Frenchman had been one of Wenger's most loyal soldiers for over six years, but as he made way in the 18th minute that fateful night, there was no questioning his devastation - the camel's back had been broken. The blood drained from Píres' face, and as the camera panned past him to the barely 19-year-old Cesc, I must admit the blood drained from mine as well, but for different reasons.

For Píres it was Wenger's strategic snub that burned, for me it was the fear that Wenger had lost the plot in his embrace of youth over experience. There are times to take risks, and there are times to play it safe. Cesc was a baby-faced wonder who had certainly played his heart out incredibly in the build up to the final, but Píres was a World Cup, European Cup, Double-winning goal-scorer. He was the guy who set up Trezeguet for the winning goal in the 103rd minute of the Euro final in 2000. Not many managers would have chosen to sacrifice such a proven winner in such an important match. What exactly was behind Wenger's thought process?

Píres was certainly a team player, but he was also a bit egotistical (his botched attempt to emulate Johan Cruyff in the Man City penalty fiasco for example). It was clear his dismay that night had little to do with injured loyalty and more to do with selfish indignation, which Wenger wouldn't stand for. Wenger's decision to keep Cesc in that night was incredibly risky, but it was also inspired.

While I continue to this day to question his decision, I think I've finally pinned down just what Wenger was up to. This wasn't merely a tactical decision by the gaffer, but the first tangible evidence of a paradigm shift that had been gestating since the departure of Patrick Vieira the previous summer.

Wenger knew Cesc was going to be at the center of Arsenal's future, and thus believed the importance of Cesc gaining the experience of playing in such a match outweighed the practical security Píres' presence offered. Sometimes I feel Wenger holds his cards so close not even he can see them, but for a brief second that night, he showed his hand, revealing a concept of which I'm only now grasping the magnitude.

Two years on, a quick comparison of squad sheets reveals the totality of Wenger's overhaul in favour of the understated. Of the 14 players we used that night in Paris, 10 are no longer with us: Campbell, Cole, Flamini, Gilberto, Henry, Hleb, Lehmann, Ljungberg, Píres, and Reyes. Only Touré, Almunia, Eboue, and Fabregas remain.

Though many pontificate, I cannot buy the argument that this was merely a transitional phase for Arsenal brought on by a generational gap. This has more the makings of a complete revamping not only of our team, but of our ethics. I use the word "ethics" to differentiate the new principles guiding Wenger's approach from the ever present philosophy of positive football which has always guided him. Wenger has always advocated positive football, and I'm sure he intends to continue to do so, regardless of the challenges and adversity we face: that's just his being. What this new trend represents something new. I use the word ethics because it captures something more than a mere footballing code.

During Wenger's reign, Arsenal has continually been an anomaly in the Sky Sports, global gootball age, a team whose success has had no direct correlation to the amount of money spent. But the recent patterns of Wenger's transfer dealings are symptomatic of a deeper resolve. Let's pause to review some of the players whom we've used to replace the wayward ten mentioned above - Clichy, Eduardo, Rosicky, Walcott, Sagna, Nasri, Almunia and Denilson.

These players don't have much in common, but they all seem to subsume the following qualities: modesty, loyalty, dedication, and a definitive lack of ostentation, all qualities more befitting a squad of monks hailing from a monastery somewhere in the Himalayas rather than a "big four" club (aside from the hair of Almunia and Sagna, and maybe Nasri's girlfriend). Selfless players like these are to be treasured in this day and age. And incredibly, the humble trend at Arsenal doesn't stop there: Kolo Touré, Phillippe Senderos, Alex Song, Armand Traore, and Justin Hoyte, also fit the bill (I have left out the unknown quantities, i.e. Ramsey, Vela).

Some anecdotes come to mind - Senderos and Cesc living together with a Highbury landlady - or the video on YouTube of Gilberto, Denilson, and Baptista having a hearty Brazilian dinner at Gilberto's flat in Islington. All dressed modestly in t-shirts and jeans, laughing, dancing and singing together. Homely, warm, sweet, and welcoming.

Compare that to the escort orgy party Ronaldo reportedly threw for then Man Utd new arrivals Anderson and Nani at his posh Cheshire Mansion.

I'm starting to think Wenger is attempting the impossible, compiling a squad of selfless workhorses.

Of course the mantle of modesty doesn't fit all, two glaring exceptions being William Gallas and Emmanuel Adebayor (I should quickly mention why I do not include Nicklas Bendtner and Robin van Persie here: While Bendtner has certainly shown some petulance during his time with us, I'm hopeful that this is merely due to his relative immaturity and can be quickly rectified through the tutelage of Wenger, similar to the progression of van Persie. And van Persie, while being an integral part of Arsenal on paper, is yet to have completed a successful season on which to assess his post-accomplishment ego, which in all honesty may still prove to be immense). So, at present, Captain Willy and Ade are the only players standing in the way of what I believe to be Wenger's dream team of little egos, big skills, and heart aplenty. But the problem is these exceptions aren't merely squad players, but our captain and our top goal scorer. Luckily, the more I think about it, the easier the solution seems.

I seriously doubt Adebayor is going anywhere this summer, as I believe he wants to stay with Arsenal, and is merely after a significant, but realistic wage increase. He is 24 and has hit his stride, but I think he knows he is still developing, and if he were to move to Barcelona or thereabouts, there would be a very low tolerance for his still being in a developmental phase and not a ready made superstar. If he bags another thirty goals this year, Arsenal will certainly roll out the red carpet for him, and there'll be no reason for him to leave. I think he is a decent guy, but has the tendency to speak a bit faster than his mind can process. And I'm not insulting his intelligence, he just speaks that fast.

Anyhow, if we do sell him, my mouth honestly waters at the prospect of our youthful and exuberant strike force getting the opportunity to flourish. As Joel Che said: "In a way, I think Arsenal need a little more carelessness of youth upfront more than they need old heads. More Theo Walcotts with more confidence and slightly more rounded."

I couldn't agree more. Nothing is more exciting then watching an unjaded, fearless young attacker take on the last defender. I think Walcott will be more confident and more well-rounded this year, and I can't wait to see how our other attacking prospects have developed (Bendtner scored four goals yesterday, with Vela adding a hat-trick). And if Adebayor is going to be a cloud over them, like Henry was in his final year, then we should let him go now. No ego.

I believe the more pressing issue is at the center of defence.

While Gallas was undoubtedly an inspiration as skipper for the first two-thirds of the season, he did show some instablitity. and I'm not referring to the Birmingham incident (the only thing that surprised me there was the fact that Gallas was the only one letting his heart out, I would have expected a riot). What was more worrying was the seeming lack of esteem officials held for him; even prior to Birmingham I recall referees merely rolling their eyes and brandishing yellow cards at Gallas' mere approach to inquire over the logic of a decision.

Perhaps this is due to no fault of his own, but we can't have a skipper the refs don't take seriously. While I'm sure he can improve in the role this year, I've also started to worry about his age, and the inevitable departure this implies. He and Wenger will inevitably clash sooner rather than later over wages, and the mandatory one-year contracts Arsenal implements for players over thirty.

In hindsight, I'm starting to believe that Wenger handed Gallas the captaincy in part just to keep Gallas at the Emirates, for as I recall, Gallas was in a huff after the departure of Henry a year ago, and went as far as to demand talks with Wenger over his future. It seemed possible, then, that Gallas might have been on his way as well. But a week or so later it was revealed that Gallas, despite being an unlikely candidate, had been chosen to become captain. Now I wouldn't accuse Wenger of being as brash as to whore off the captaincy just to keep a player happy, but I suspect that Gallas' discontent played some part in the decision.

Gallas' partnership with Touré has also been the subject of much debate, and I feel Touré was in fact hindered by the presence of Gallas. They are cut of the same stone, rendering each other redundant at times, often running down the same ball haplessly leaving a man unmarked. This could be down to poor communication, but even if that is the case, Gallas is liable as it is his responsibility as captain to dictate their manoeuvres. I also honestly believe Touré to be the better center-half, and like many people, a worthy candidate for the captaincy (with Cesc as vice-captain, of course, Clichy third in line).

But the appointment of Gallas as captain last summer now raises a conundrum for Wenger. He now has a skipper refs don't take seriously and our younger players are intimidated by, but stripping Gallas of the captaincy would all but make his place in the squad untenable. Gallas has a monster of an ego, as well as a hell of a footballing mind (he almost certainly has a future in managing), and thus would be even less understanding of fickleness in his manager. Thus his exit would seem imminent if relieved of the captaincy. Quite a shame, as he could serve as great cover for us in the coming twilight of his career.

Now all this is, indeed, hard for me to swallow. All I wanted this summer was to keep our starting XI intact. But this has proved impossible. Hleb and Flamini have moved on, and have taken with them the prospect of continuity. So if we are to accept or pursue the sale of Gallas to PSG or another club, our need for a new center-half, if not two, becomes the priority for the remainder of the transfer season. While the list of possible replacements has been much discussed, the number of names I've read that I can truly imagine slotting in are few, whether due to lack of quality, ridiculous price tag, or the fussiness of Wenger.

The prime example is Mexes. He is an absolutely fantastic footballer, and despite his vanity, a great prospect. But he is not leaving Roma anytime soon. He has a love affair with the I Giallorossi, and has committed his future to them, unsolicited, numerous times. He is being touted as the next Giacomo Losi and is showing the loyalty that comparison deserves. He won't leave unless forced to, and this would only happen if someone forced Roma's hand, and Arsenal don't have the money or the willingness to partake in such a drama.

Here are some names I find to be more plausible:

Vincent Kompany (HSV) - 22 years of age. He shouldn't cost more than £7 million. He's 6'3", strong, quick, good going forward, good in the air, and retains possession. Plays pre-emptively rather than making last ditch challenges. He wants to come to Arsenal, and Wenger has been tracking him for years and rates him highly. I don't understand why Wenger hasn't bid? He will be in Beijing representing Belgium, though, which rules him out for August.

Raúl Albiol (Valencia) - Also twenty-two years old. He shouldn't cost more than £8 million. 6'2". Can also play defensive midfielder, and was linked with Arsenal in June, with no outcome. The current financial troubles of Los Ché could facilitate transactions.

Alexis (Valencia) - Another twenty-two year-old defender from Valencia. Could cost £6 million as Valencia just turned down a bid from Sevilla for €6 million euros plus keeper Palop. Not as well-rounded as Albiol, but with proper instruction could prove world class.

Naldo (Werder Bremen) - 25 years-of-age Shouldn't cost more than £8 Million. He's 6'6", and very good in the air. Offers the towering presence we so much need in the center of defence.

Marc Planus (Bordeaux) - 26 years-of-age. Shouldn't cost more than £3.5 million. Maybe a bit small, but is fast and determined. Not ideal, but would certainly provide good cover.

All things considered, I've found myself thinking more and more of Gallas as a sort of band-aid, a temporary, aesthetic solution to deeper problems. First he was the consulation for the departure of Ashley Cole and then he was the makeshift "world-class leader" capable of taking the reins in the wake of the departures of Vieira and Henry. But it seems, now that the dust has settled, there are clearer more viable solutions available.

To come full circle, one idea that I think could prove brilliant is that of instating Cesc as captain. Yes, this may seem naive to many, but it may also be a master stroke. If my assessment of Wenger's master plan is correct, and he does want to establish a squad of a post-ego nature, than what better way than to award our youthful understated yet masterful talisman (he managed to win the Euros without striking a single pose), as our captain.

Adams, Casillas, McManus were all capable captains at young ages. Surely Cesc can give it a crack. And even if we don't win silverware this year, a seed will be planted which would keep Cesc at Arsenal for years to come, rather than taking the next private jet to Real Madrid at the close of next season. So, I say no more beating around the bush. Arsène, indecisiveness is not becoming of you. Embrace your ideology and get on with it.

Al Hansen once said you can't win the league with kids. So, let's prove him wrong and with style, all the while upholding our humble ethos, and implementing the admirable values which Wenger has made our trademark.

User Comments

Horus

Posted on 5 Aug, 2008 at 05:28 PM - Reply

Hi Gabo,

EXCELLENT article.

I totally agree with you in most of your points. However, I still don't know why Wenger hasn't got rid of Eboue?
He does not posses many of the virtue's that the other humble players seem to.

One needs some big ego's in that team though as when things arn't going well, its usually those players that make the team strive that bit harder, in my opinion.

I am relishing to see this new Arsenal side take on the world this year.

PS. Some of the comments you got are totally undeserved. It was a great article and I hope your vision on Wenger's arsenal is correct and most definitely probable.

Peace.

gooner10

Posted on 5 Aug, 2008 at 05:08 PM - Reply

i miss pires. really. i pray that i'd at least get to see another brilliant player like him in my lifetime at Arsenal.

legend.

Rusty

Posted on 5 Aug, 2008 at 01:41 PM - Reply

I cant agree to most of what was said here:
Substituting Pires was more of a tactical decision rather than a planned one for the future..
Cesc was a central midfielder who was a bit defensive in his early days.
Reyes was all energy and more supportive in defence.
Freddie was younger and more energetic.

The gaffer is a tactician,but not of the order that you express here.Show a bit more PERSPECTIVE please!

Why not Mertesacker in that ELITE list??It sounds more like a game of Football Manager than the actual reality...

Appointing Gallas is a mere transitional time given to Cesc before he gets his hands on the Captain's armband(Appointing Cesc doesnt guarantee his stay forever...Our previous 2 captains left being captains of the side - Remember Henry,Viera)

Smiffy

Posted on 5 Aug, 2008 at 10:19 AM - Reply

Wow Jack you must know a lot considering Wenger himself admitted how hard a time he had making that decision, recollect him saying something about it being one of the hardest decisions he had to make up to that point in his career at Arse.
Guess you should be on the payrole, genioso.

lex

Posted on 4 Aug, 2008 at 03:32 PM - Reply

hi, it's a long and detailed piece of writing but in the end it's about the same as everybody else's stuff - calling for us to buy the same old names that the media trots out once they've taken a bung from the players agents.
i think we've got enought players and they're all excellent quality. we need to be stronger in games where things aren't going our way - plus we need a bit more luck with injuries next year.
we can win the title - it's a big ask but it's a realistic aim for the arsenal, unlike o few other clubs i could mention

Rene

Posted on 3 Aug, 2008 at 07:32 AM - Reply

keep up the good work Gabo!

Egotot

Posted on 2 Aug, 2008 at 11:50 AM - Reply

thank you. ive been trying to figure it out ever since October last year but ive finally figured out why i dont like niklas bendtner

Xerxes

Posted on 2 Aug, 2008 at 02:03 AM - Reply

As many here, I myself was really shattered by the substitution. I think Reyes was the one to be let off that night. Anyway, its done and dusted. Were seeing a new team, and a great team being formed. Young guys all over enthusiastic for the game. As fans we cant be more happy to see such an atmosphere in the team. It just reaffirms my decision to stick with the North-Londoners. But 3 years on, I cant help but feel a bit jealous of ManU. Without a title, and then coming sooooo close last year just to let it fall. Well, im waiting for the new season eagerly and this time im already smelling a new trophy in the Emirates cabinet....it just might be TWO....
The transfer market all i can think of is a good centre back. Someone of the likes of Sol Campbell at his prime. Not too young but just at 25-26 should be a good buy. Cant think of anyone but thats what we should look at and obviously give Djourou and Senderos their fair chances...
UP u GUNNERS....FIRE AWAY

Victoria concordia crescit

Posted on 2 Aug, 2008 at 01:51 AM - Reply

Really,really deep minded article....I agree with you most,but we should not be that much disgruntled with Gallas...last season was his first one for Arsenal...I am quite sure that he is capable of showing his qualities in forthcoming season,anyway he is a world class player..and captain too.

mike

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 10:36 PM - Reply

I'm not sure if you meant this as a joke but i couldn't help laughing all the way through. it was entertaining and bloody hilarious!! i would be willing to to pay you by the hour and happily get rid of my t.v., ipod, pc etc.
i'm afraid i find your theories implausible but quite entertaining nonetheless.

dean smith

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 10:22 PM - Reply

arsenal should get Vincent Kompany (HSV) for the manager wanted someone that good in the air CB but he has changed his mind how comes , or get - 22 Raúl Albiol who can play two different poistions, we do an peition on getting A new CB

..

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 07:06 PM - Reply

what a well written article, i agree with your views about a humble squad but i don't think Cesc will get the armband this season as it may cause more problems with gallas as you mentioned, but who knows gallas seems to have recognised his mistakes and hopefully he'll rectify them this coming season. Good job.

Kenan

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 05:33 PM - Reply

Congratulations! Excellent article. I agree with theory of post-ego team, and with such an idea and potential, I'm proud to be a Gunner! Let's go make some mess in Premiership with our wonderful kids!

Gilbert

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 05:23 PM - Reply

Quite a good article! ...nice easy reading.

Koko

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 04:42 PM - Reply

Excellent write up!
Couldn't agree more.

Deepak

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 04:34 PM - Reply

Regarding 'the Pires substitution' decision, I thought both Pires and Cesc merited to stay on. It was the mercurial Reyes who should have been sacrificed that night. I still wince every time I think about that substitution.

scruzgooner

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 04:27 PM - Reply

exactly the kind of thing i've been thinking. players who want to play here, who are incredibly gifted, and understand the team ethos.

and thanks for the list of defenders, i am thinking kompany would be great but for his health issues (apparently he has missed significant time with a bad back), so let's get one off the list. and next season with cesc as captain, not this...

niran*

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 04:18 PM - Reply

great article.!

MUHAMMAD AHSAN

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 04:16 PM - Reply

ASSALAMU ALEKUM
(MAY ALLAH'S PEACE AND MERCY BE UPON YOU)

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME ARTICLE MAN....
BRILLIANT........

Toba: The only Gooner.

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 04:09 PM - Reply

What a beautiful, well crafted and point blank piece! Well done for this master piece of a football journalism. I agree completely with you on Gallas and the captain's arm-band. It is time for Arsene to show to the world the passion he has for youth development in international football today. Cesc, I have no doubt, would be a very great captain. Arsene, time to act. Even if Gallas should leave because of this, it will be a nice way of proving that kids can actually win the premiership. We are on course.

maya

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 03:09 PM - Reply

Sorry but i'm not impressed by the prospec of Cesc and Toure to become Arsenal captain. Although i do agree they lead midfield and defence rather good respectively, but we need captain that can taunt and push all the players. Btw Gallas is a good captain, he's just kinda overdoing it in Birmingham.

oki1kanobe

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 02:35 PM - Reply

i think wat ur saying is absolutely true every one at arsenal seems to bond really well no soaring egos and i thank the wage structure, yes the wage structure: this means no one seems more important than the next after all football is a TEAM sport
and i saw that vid with denilson, gilberto and baptista, funny stuff

yonata

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 02:29 PM - Reply

i guess that vincent kompany would be a great great asset for arsenal.he's the best one....

jp20

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 01:38 PM - Reply

even though its a long time since we have anything big,its articles like yours that remind me i'm supporting the right club,
yes defence is a big worry with flamini leaving.i never really understood y gallas came!

we have our own value and we should stick to them,the titles will come all we need is faith in the club especially by the players and the manager and also from the fans.

if hleb and more importantly flam had stayed we had a good chance of winning this year,i havent seen ramsey or vela yet but going by the reviews they seem to be more than able to make up for hleb.

and with no disrespect to toure,i think cesc should be captain bcos he is young ,has been at the club for a long time and has no attitude problems like gallas.i agree toure is also a humble guy but my instincts say cesc should be captain,i guesss it just a personal opinion.

and please tell ade to shut up,i know he is young but he is really having ridiculous opinions about himself.

and finally senderos is a really nice guy ,so please wenger just be patient with him,please?

Bob

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 01:32 PM - Reply

Write off Gallas at your perril.

Ghostwriter

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 01:03 PM - Reply

Gabo, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your piece. You raise so many great points, most of which I agree with wholeheartedly. Well observed and well written - Arsenal Mania is indeed a top website.

Arsenal for ever

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 12:42 PM - Reply

really nice article ....i really wish and pray that the last paragraph comes true this year and many many more years to come

mikeyb

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 12:41 PM - Reply

Interesting analysis and coherently put. I would agree that this ethos is at work and Vela is very much of that ilk. Komapany would be a smart addition and compliment the style of the team but an evolutionary step that is likely to be made next season rather than this.

Much speculation is gaining momentum regarding the defensive midfield berth and Inler(Udinese) is the rumoured candidate. An archetypal artisan with an engine, robust tackle, shot on either foot and ability to keep continuity of play.

I feel our financial restraints have always pointed to evolution rather than revolution but have allowed Aresne to orgment a philosophy based on youth which allows him to enculturate aswellas coach. Affordable priorities will dictate. Senderous and Djourou will once again be given their chance to state their claim as cover this season but I'd look forward to Inler's inclusion as this addition is the most urgent and potientially deliever the greater impact.

Arsenal for ever

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 12:41 PM - Reply

really nice article ....i really wish and pray that the last paragraph comes true this year and many many more years to come

Gloria Cassidy

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 12:32 PM - Reply

Wonderful, thoughtful article and I so hope that your reasoning and assessment of Arsene Wenger's aims and ambitions for the squad are spot on. I am enormously proud that we do not get the sort of ego-unsuitable behaviour in the media about the Arsenal players; ManU and Chelsea players in particular do seem to attract bad publicity. I had hoped that Adebayor would have gone this summer, I think he was getting too big for his boots and although he scored a lot of goals, didn't he waste a lot of great opportunities too. I also think that Wenger is anticipating that eventually the Premiership will be forced to field a number of English players in each team - not a bad thing and it is reassuring that Arsenal are producing such fine young, exciting players from the Academy. I, too, feel that Gallas towards the end of the season behaved in a negative manner and was not inspirational towards the rest of the team giving a Captain's performance when needed, although he did do that so well at the beginning of last season. He claims that he will improve as Captain and I truly hope so, because when he did step up to the task he was superb. Remember his last minute goal at ManU? Whilst the other big teams are spending big in the hopes of winning silver, I don't care as long as we play the style of football we have come to expect from our team and if we win with kids - what does Hansen know anyway! Can't wait for the season to begin and am hoping Arsene will be playing some of our youngsters in the first team.

J Pratt (NY, NY USA)

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 12:18 PM - Reply

I feel you are correct as far as Gallas being a temp captain. I wasn't really shocked at him getting the armband for the very reason cited. I think the idea however was to get the captaincy to Cesc the start of the next campaign because I am sure even he did not think Spain would really pull it off at the Euros.

I can see Ade having a rather decent year (23 - 27 goals) and the choice will need to be made to keep him or let him try his luck elsewhere if the money which I am sure will be more in line with what he scores this time. The offset is that if either Van Persie or Bendtner fulfill the promise they bring and match his tally this year, he will leave. With strikers we are to put it mildly rather stacked and it will come to pass that someone out the group will feel the pinch in the playing time.

I actually agree with Al Hansen,winning the league will make them men. We don't have kids and to have come that close to so much last year will drive them this year. But I think the focus should be on the league and while we take our chances in the Champions League on just being lucky enough.

Jack

Posted on 1 Aug, 2008 at 11:55 AM - Reply

Clueless muppetry. The substitution of Pires was what anyone with half a football brain would have done when you're going down to 10 men and have to run and tackle to stay in the game. These 'paradigm' shifts are just bollox from someone who doen't know what he's taking about

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