Wenger admits Flamini departure affected the team

Manager Arsène Wenger has admitted that the departure of Mathieu Flamini changed the way his team operates.

Flamini, now with AC Milan, was the enforcer in the Arsenal midfield and cleaned up any loose balls whilst at the same time provided the shield and the bite that protected the defence.

His replacement, Brazilian Denilson, hasn't impressed as much and Wenger has admitted that whilst he didn't want Flamini to go, there was nothing he could do to stop the Frenchman.

Wenger said: "I dont deny the quality of Flamini but he wanted to go. I didn't want him to go.

"Today, we do it in a different way and we have to show we can be just as efficient.

"I think Denilson had an outstanding start to the season, he is going from strength to strength and Alex Song can play that role too."

User Comments

Gicgooner

Posted on 11 Nov, 2008 at 12:45 PM - Reply

By the time we left Flame we could have to move for Allonso.Our middfield is not with good defensive engine for the moment. Yes, this is time for Mr. Arsene to bring on a world class DM,may be De Rossi,Velloso, or...
Mr. Arsene,please awake ,though you keep that philosophy, you shuold understand the momentem of soccer.Bring Arshavin,OneGK,make Djouruo regular and that is all. Unless, we are yet to count another trophyles season. That would halt over sea fans.

Dheggo

Posted on 9 Nov, 2008 at 07:25 PM - Reply

I think Ramsey is good enough to play first team.. he wants to score goals and he has the determination that other players dont have anymore!!! similar to carlos vela, he is 2,000 times if not 3,000,000 times better than bendtner!!! and should be played with ade every match! we need a flamini type player too badly!!

always4

Posted on 8 Nov, 2008 at 09:00 PM - Reply

diaby is the best all we need is a better golkeeper i dont mind almunia he played well with man utd but we need world class keeper maybe the psg keeper but i think it would be better if we go shoping bon spain Kameni is great keeper now he has experience too

Alex

Posted on 8 Nov, 2008 at 03:44 PM - Reply

I think we don't have to buy anyone in January because we've guys who can play there and it'd be wasted time and this money who we spend to buy and develop them. Diaby in futer can be the greatest, Djourou too but in defence, Song as well.

Gunner 4 life

Posted on 8 Nov, 2008 at 12:02 PM - Reply

Mattuso was a great player at Arsenal, but he's gone! I think Djourou can do do better than Denilson and Song in that position! Djourou should be our next Viera

valencya baynard buda

Posted on 8 Nov, 2008 at 07:16 AM - Reply

i dont know what happen in arsenal now!!!
help me!!!

tunadog

Posted on 8 Nov, 2008 at 06:17 AM - Reply

well done Arsene. Youve told us what every supporter knew months ago. Denilson is not a replacement. YOU NEED TO BUY A MIDFIELD ENFORCER.

Eddie Yak

Posted on 8 Nov, 2008 at 03:51 AM - Reply

By the time every player get adjusted to a new way or system to counter the lost of Flamini it will be next year and next season. So when next season come along some important players sign for other clubs and
again Arsenal make adjustment again, so the story repeats itself - still no trophies and top four again. Just go ahead to sign a Flamini type of player then there is no need to make significant changes, time and tide waits for no men !

rubanraj

Posted on 8 Nov, 2008 at 03:22 AM - Reply

What about yahya toure Arsene? He would make an excellent buy.

User Comments

• Got something to say?
• Read comments

Vs chelsea