Arsenal Small Talk
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Just my random unstructured thoughts and stuff that stuck out to me. Warning, spoilers and waffle on my part.
Reading the book it was interesting to see the very traditional upbringing he had which he holds very dear and carries through his life. Explains how he sees the world and why he holds everybody to the same standard.
The book is a bit misleading, as it is titled "My Life in Red & White" so you would assume its an Arsenal book, until you realise all the clubs he has managed had red and white kits/badges.
Interestingly enough he reveals the departures of the invincibles didn't hurt him as they had given their best for the club and they won stuff. Cesc, Nasri and some of the other younger talents absolutely killed him each time.
He also mentions Gazidis I think once?? I could be mistaken but the most he says about the guy is that they worked together.
He doesn't mention Kronkes much at all, just notes that English football had changed from English families passing the club down generations to being foreign owned. (a dig at some values getting lost? but that's me reading between the lines.)
One thing I did notice, to me I felt a lot of sadness when he reflected on Arsenal particularly towards the end. Throughout the book, he emphasises the sacrifices he made, the exhaustion, his unwavering commitment and dedication.
Notable sacrifices including not having time for friends, his wife, admitting he didn't really raise his daughter at all and turning down his boyhood club Real Madrid numerous times.
My main take away is I can't help but feel that he felt betrayed. He mentions hostility from the fans and "sections of the board" as factors behind his exit. He doesn't mention names or expand on it at all.
He doesn't address his shortcomings or his mistakes at all in case you're wondering. His biggest regrets are some of the players who had career ending injuries under him.
Credits most of Arsenal's decline to the enforced rigid salary structure due to stadium debts and financial doping before financial fair play kicked in.
He still hasn't watched the Champions League final till this day - yet he accurately recalls the exact minute of Jen's red card, the subs, Sol's goal and the exact minutes when we conceded. Just to give you an idea of how much it haunts him.
I wouldn't be surprised if there was a follow up book, or sequel or something more Arsenal focused because he literally doesn't answer anything we wanted to know.
I know Wenger is beloved by some of you, so apologies for anything I misunderstood, plain got wrong, missed out or paraphrased incorrectly.
Oh no, was hoping he would finaly use this chance to reveal all the **** he needs to get off his chest