Tag Archives: Stan Kroenke

Match Preview: Arsenal v Marseille

  By jtom | 01/11/2011 - 7:00 AM | Champions League, Match Preview
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Stan Kroenke

Arsenal have a chance to seal their qualification into the Champions League knockout stage with a victory over Marseille at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. Stan Kroenke addressed the players ahead of this match, but some of his comments to the press worry me.

Let’s start with the team news. Vermaelen and Jenkinson are good to go on Tuesday night. Marouane Chamakh has a “knee injury” according to Arsene Wenger and is not included in the squad. This could be one of those phantom injuries we see every now and then, because Chamakh has been useless this season.

Yossi Benayoun is fit and will likely start tomorrow. My starting eleven prediction: Santos (LB) , Vermaelen (CB), Mertesacker (CB), Jenkinson (RB), Arteta (CM), Song (CM), Benayoun (CM), Arshavin (LW), Park (ST), Walcott (RW). Wenger may decide to rest both Mertesacker and Koscielny, and go with Squillaci or Djourou. Robin will likely be on the bench as Wenger will not want to overwork him. Arshavin could play behind Park (like he did very effectively against Bolton), and Benayoun could move to the wing. A lot of options.

We need to finish top of the group, and a win against Marseille would go far in securing that top spot. The French side is second in the group, and a victory would put us four points ahead of our closest competitor(s). Dortmund have been dreadful, earning only a point. Olympiacos still have a shot even though they were considered the whipping boys when the group was announced.

Based on past experiences, it is vital for us to finish first in Group F. Last year, Wenger started playing the reserves and our form in Europe dropped near the end of the group stage. As a result, Shakhtar grabbed the top position, and we faced Barcelona. The rest is history.

Arsene Wenger warned at the pre-match press conference that Marseille will not be same team that Arsenal played in France (from Arsenal.com): “I believe they have the team which certainly is more at ease away from home. They are a side who can defend well with very physical and quick players on the break, so I believe that the counter attack suits them more than dominating the game.

“They have gained in confidence in between the two games like we have so it should be an interesting tie. But for us it’s an opportunity to qualify and of course we want to take this chance.”

Olympique de Marseille is under tremendous pressure from their supporters because they currently sit 9th in Ligue 1 and had a terrible start to the season. Sound familiar? Despite their relatively low league position, OM are coming into this match with three victories on the trot.

Majority shareholder Stan Kroenke spoke to the players in the lead up to this match. The American is quckly shedding the name of Silent Stan. He gave a lengthy interview with the media (click to see full transcript), and some of his answers will not sit well with many Gooners.

Stan refered to American sports during almost every answer. It gives the impression that he does not yet fully understand the way football works. He talked about the financial regulation, greater parity, and even praised the Glazers. The part about the Glazers is making headlines today, but I don’t care very much about Manchester United. We care about how this man is going to run our club from the top of the food chain.

Here is part of an answer Kroenke gave regarding our trophy drought (from the Mirror): “You don’t win trophies every year – you’d like to. I have friends who are owners in the leagues in the US who have never won a trophy and they have been in it for 30 or 40 years. We have been fortunate to win a few.”
 
Before the last comment, Kroenke did say that histories of every club have high and low points. It is true went 19 years between league titles but no Gooner wants to wait that long. If we do have to wait that long, at least show some urgency.
 
More comments from Kroenke to frighten Arsenal supporters: “Because, in the States, you would never get this dialogue that you and I are having. [The Glazers] took money out of the club. So what? Jerry Buss [owner of basketball's LA Lakers] takes money out of the club. A lot of owners in the US do. No-one ever says anything about it.”
 
Kroenke loves the self-sustaining model but does not mind when a majority owner takes money away from a club, and creates a mountain of debt while doing so. I call out a hypocrite when I see him.
 
Match: Arsenal v Marseille
 
Location: Emirates Stadium
 
Kickoff: 19:45 GMT, 3:45 PM EST
 
Television: Sky Sports (UK), Fox Soccer (US)
 
 
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Arsenal AGM and Van Persie contract talks

  By jtom | 28/10/2011 - 6:56 AM | Robin van Persie
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Arsenal’s annual general meeting was held on Wednesday. Arsene Wenger gave a powerful speech, while Stan Kroenke’s comments supplied supporters with little insight. Shareholders were clearly frustrated with chairman Peter Hill-Wood. Reports are saying that the Gunners have opened up contract negotiations with Robin van Persie.

Wenger’s speech at the meeting was clearly from his heart. He stood up for the values of our club and the class with which the club operates (from Daily Mirror):

“I believe that the values we defend are highly defendable because we want to do things with class. We want of course to be very ambitious. We want to be very brave. I believe that this club has always been very brave in its decisions. The courage is a quality I admire because it is a highly needed quality in the modern world.”

Arsene believes that the fans need to get behind the team, and together Arsenal can achieve success. Wenger said that he believes that his squad have the right attitude and are ready to fight. He said this near the end of his speech (from Daily Mirror):

“And if I just would like to achieve one thing today it is: trust us, this team has qualities, this team will fight.”
 
 
Stan Kroenke took a few minutes to introduce himself to the shareholders and supporters. The American majority shareholder has been quiet since his takeover last season. He was interested in several European clubs, but decided to go with Arsenal because of several factors including the ”tremendous management at the top,” “wonderful manager,” and our club’s ”tremendous following” of supporters.
 
Kroenke ended his time at the podium with a promise (from Arsenal.com): “Suffice to say we are glad to be here, we’re happy with the direction of the Club and we’re here for the long-term. We love London and you’d better get used to seeing me and my family because we’ll be around.”
 
Gooners really were not enlightened by Kroenke’s comments. He didn’t reveal too much of anything, and he began his speech by wondering why he was even addressing the crowd in the first place. It would be nice to see Kroenke attend more matches. The American is expected to be at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
 
Chairman Peter Hill-Wood did not receive a warm welcome from the minor sharholders, who are mostly made up of passionate Gooners. While I did not attend the AGM, the consensus is that Hill-Wood continually dodged questions like a trained politician.
 
One shareholder apparently called for Hill-Wood to quit and for the return of David Dean. The audience responded with a chrous of clapping. Of course, Hill-Wood refused to step down.
 
But Hill-Wood doesn’t really hold much power. He is mainly a figurehead who sometimes speaks to the media and addresses the shareholders. He clearly disrespects minor shareholders and supporters, but getting rid of him may not do much good. I doubt we will ever see Dein back either.
 
Chief executive Ivan Gazidis is certainly far more involved in the decision-making at our club than Hill-Wood. Gazidis’ speech was mainly more of the same. Arsenal believe in the self-sufficient model. Arsenal are expanding their influence world wide. Every club is striving to do things the Arsenal way. You get the idea.
 
We really did not learn much at all from this year’s meeting… except that nothing is changing. The board will not react to the poor start to the season differently than they have done every other year. Wenger’s speech was the highlight, and the audience seemed to be behind him.
 
The BBC are reporting that Arsenal have started talks with Robin van Persie about a contract extension. But it seems as if the headline in the BBC story is misleading. Writer David Ornstein sent out this Twitter message: “Breaking: Wenger tells me Arsenal have started talks with Van Persie over a new contract. Story across BBC outlets soon.”
 
When the story was posted, it explicitly said that negotiations have not officially begun. Wenger told the BBC regarding van Persie: “He has 18 months to go and I’m confident he’ll sign a new deal. I’m always confident.”
 
Arsene said similar things about Nasri and other players in the past. Unfortunately, Ornstein had to get every Gooners hopes up by tweeting a misleading message before the article was published.
 
Check back soon for a full preview of the match at Stamford Bridge.
 
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Arsenal shareholder battle: Kroenke v Usmanov

  By jtom | 14/10/2011 - 7:00 AM | Uncategorized
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Alisher Usmanov

Alisher Usmanov is looking to make a strong push to become a factor in the Arsenal boardroom. This could create a feud with majority shareholder Stan Kroenke. So we must ask this question: Who would you rather see as the majority shareholder and decision maker at Arsenal?

Earlier this week, news broke that Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov will try to increase his stake in Arsenal from 29% to 30%. According to a number of sources, Usmanov will offer £14,500 a share to the smaller shareholders. Usmanov has repeatedly attempted to become a decision maker at the Emirates, but has failed so far.

American Stan Kroenke currently owns 66% of the shares. Kroenke and the shareholders that sold to him during the take over last season effectively shut Usmanov out of the boardroom. They did not want Arsenal falling into the hands of a sugar daddy with a checkered past.

Usmanov, like many Arsenal supporters, believes that more money needs to be spent on transfers and player wages. He has been critical of Kroenke’s self-sustaining model. The self-sustaining model, which was in place before the Kroenke takeover, has seen our club drop out of title contention this season.

It is clear that Usmanov desperately wants control over the Gunners. He is the 35th wealthiest person in the world, so he will be able to test the resolve of the minor shareholders, and maybe even Kroenke. If our club continues to skid, Gooners everywhere will be holding Kroenke partly accountable. Maybe the American does not want to deal with the pressure and decides sells his shares to Usmanov at a massive profit.

So far, Silent Stan has only been interviewed once about Arsenal, not counting his press releases on Arsenal.com. Kroenke seems to be the responsible football owner, so I doubt that he will decide to just abandon his interest in the club. Kroenke knows that there is money to be made in football. He does own several American teams, but those clubs are forced to adhere to strict revenue sharing and parity laws.

As Gooners, who do we want? Do we want the noble American buisnessman who runs a sustainable operation? Or do we want a Uzbek billionaire who wants to win at all costs?

Above all, a second Abramovich is not needed in London. I do not want to see Usmanov micromanaging every decision on and off the pitch. Arsene Wenger would not put up with a manipulating owner who buys players that do not fit the system.

On the other hand, Kroenke may be more worried about making a profit than winning anything. There is a possibility that, over the next few seasons, he could just sit back and watch as Arsenal are forced out of the top-4 and into the middle of the table. Silent Stan could be afraid to stand up to Wenger. While Wenger is undoubtedly a genius, everyone needs a second point of view at times, and Kroenke could be yet another yes-man.

If we could merge both Kroenke and Usmanov, they could create the perfect majority shareholder. Unfortunately, there is little chance of the two forming a partnership. Both men are competitive buisnessmen, and that type of person usually doesn’t like sharing power or cash.

My choice in this battle is Kroenke. I worry that Usmanov may sack Wenger (and his successors) at the first hint of a drop in performance, like Abramovich. Silent Stan seems to have complete faith in Wenger, but hopefully not blind faith. Many Gooners have grown to dislike the transfer policies of Manchester City and Chelsea, and I don’t want our club to be like City and Chelsea.

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More Van Persie rumours; Silent Stan talks

  By jtom | 30/09/2011 - 7:00 AM | Transfer News
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The morning papers are linking Robin van Persie with a move to Manchester City to replace Carlos Tevez. Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke broke his silence and talked about a wide range of issues, including Arsene Wenger, Samir Nasri, and Cesc Fabregas.

According to The Guardian, Manchester City see Robin van Persie as a direct replacement for the disgruntled Carlos Tevez. Even with the transfer window three months away, Van Persie is already a hot topic of disussion inside City. The Dutchman revealed earlier this week that he was not interested in negotiating a new contract with Arsenal this season.

Mancini and company know they have to sell Tevez for the reduced price of £20 million or less. If RVP refuses to sign a new contract, he has to go. Maybe Arsene Wenger will be able to work a swap for Tevez. Carlos Tevez and cash to Arsenal and Manchester City get RVP.

The rumours around the Dutchman will only multiply as we head towards January. It is ridiculous because Robin’s contract does not run out until the end of next season. The Gunners will have more leverage because they can chose to keep Van Persie until the summer. But Arsenal, seeing the extraordinary fees paid for Torres and Carroll last winter, may be wise to sell in January.

Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kronke is no longer “Silent Stan.” The American told The Telegraph (from The Guardian): “I have tremendous confidence in [Arsene]. He is one of the great managers in the world. Arsene is one of my favourite people I have met in the last 20 years. He is a great person and I love the way he handles himself. He is a very intelligent guy.

“It’s a rocky start but what do people really expect? Cesc Fabregas[who signed for Barcelona in the summer] is a great player who Arsene developed from the age of 16. He decided last year that he wanted to leave.

“Maybe it is one of those times when we have to work our way through, maybe with some young players. Arsene has been really good at developing these guys, people like Alex [Oxlade-]Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere. There are some really good players that Arsene thinks can be special. Arsene’s our man.

“I like the kid [Fabregas] but I’m not going to change his mind. Arsene made the decision.

“I also get it on [Samir] Nasri [who joined Manchester City]. If we didn’t do something on Nasri people would be looking at us next summer and saying, ‘Why didn’t you do this?’ We bought in a lot of resources that we can use on other players.”

Not-S0-Silent Stan is clearly much more involved with the club than many people think. First off, he seems to be in love with Wenger. The Wenger-out crowd will be very displeased.

To answer Kroenke’s question, people expect Arsenal to win trophies. To his credit, Kroenke was right on point about the Cesc and Na$ri situations. We could not let Na$ri leave for free, and Cesc clearly wanted to go back home. The American owner clearly has been paying attention to the club despite the fact that he owns many teams in the USA. The mention of The Ox really shows that he knows what is going on with the team.

 

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Fabregas transfer news and rumours

  By jtom | 05/08/2011 - 6:52 AM | Players, Transfer News
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Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke was in London yesterday to discuss Cesc Fabregas. Barcelona are desperate to buy Fabregas in the next eleven days.

According to Daily Mail, American Stan Kroenke was at the Emirates Stadium yesterday for members day. Kroenke was also in London to talk with Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis regarding Fabregas. 

Barcelona have reportedly submitted a £35 million offer for the Gunners’ captain, but £5m of the fee is add-ons. Not to mention Cesc will have to take a pay-cut to help Barcelona pay his transfer fee.  Arsene Wenger wants £40m for the Spanish star.

According to The Independent, Kroenke supports Wenger’s price for Fabregas. The American owner will let Arsene hold firm with Barcelona at £40m. Barcelona will either have to pay up or leave Cesc alone.

Andreas Iniesta had not yet decided to leave Arsenal and Fabregas alone, telling ESPN: “We have said it many times before. We would be thrilled with his arrival. We are speaking about one of the best, but it all depends on the two clubs as well as the player’s wishes.”

Arsenal have basically set an 11-day deadline for Barcelona in their pursuit of Cesc Fabregas. In mid-August (17 or 18), the Gunners will play the first leg of their Champions League qualifier. If Fabregas features in the match, he will be unable to play for another club in this season’s Champions League.

Barcelona will be desperate to secure Cesc before Arsenal begin the qualification.  Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri will be suspended for the first match. Arsene Wenger will surely start Fabregas if he is still with Arsenal. The clock is ticking for Barca…

Arsenal’s oppenent in the Champions League qualifiers will be drawn tommorrow.

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Wenger and Gazidis

  By jtom | 14/06/2011 - 6:56 AM | Uncategorized
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Arsene Wenger and Ivan Gazidis both have spoken about our club’s upcoming summer plans in recent days. Wenger predicts that both Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas will stay with Arsenal for quite some time. Gazidis expects Wenger to be very busy once the transfer window opens.

Here is what Wenger told the Sun: “We will do everything to keep Nasri at the club. My wish is that he stays here. If he looks back he can see that he’s come quite a long way with us, and I think there is still a bit to do. It’s the club that makes the player’s career.

“I will be pretty clear about this. For me, Fabregas is with Arsenal for a long time and he will stay with Arsenal. It sometimes happens that the rumour can make the transfer.

“Next year will see the introduction of the financial fair play system, which will limit the big transfers. I think this is the last year that the summer will be hot – very hot.”

Very interesting from Wenger, but a bit naive. I believe that Nasri is pulling off a negotiation stunt that we have seen other players try recently. Ultimately, he will be an Arsenal player next season. Cesc is a completely different story. He has made it clear that he wants to play for Barcelona, and I do not think trophies will change that.

This summer will be very hot, Arsene. If you look at Wenger’s recent transfer record, you would think that these fair play rules were put in place several years ago. Even when the rules go in place, clubs like Man City, Chelsea, and Real Madrid will find ways around them. Money talks and the richest clubs will continue to buy expensive players.

The chief executive is at it again. Ivan Gazidis had this to say at a Q&A session with the AST:

“Coming off the end of the season, I share with you a sense of profound disappointment. We had a season that promised a great deal and looked like it could turn into a very special one, but in the end a familiar story began to tell itself. I understand the feelings that we all felt.

“It is very clear we had some shortcomings and in this close season we are going to see some turnover of players. Some new signings will be coming in and some of our existing squad will be going out. As Arsène [Wenger, the manager] has said, it will be a busy close season for the club.

“But also it is important to recognise that it has not been a disaster. We have a young squad and we don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater. The trick will be [to] identify which parts to keep and which parts to turn over. And we will do that within our financial capabilities.”

Gazidis also said that Stan Kroenke will stay in the background and keep a low profile.

We have all heard this before. Unfortunately, many Gooners fall into the trap of believing that this is the year that Wenger will finally spend big. That is not his style and he is too late in his coaching career to change philosophy. Arsene is too stubborn to do so but his philosophy is a good.

Buying young talent in bulk has worked wonders with our attack. The problem is the back four. We have been unable to find suitable centre backs that live up to Kolo Toure, Sol Campbell, Tony Adams, Martin Keown, and the like. These players were tough and physical. We need to solidify our central defence and buying young talent is not the answer.

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Usmanov Blames Board

  By jtom | 13/06/2011 - 7:00 AM | Uncategorized
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Alisher Usmanov, a minority (30%) owner of Arsenal, believes that the board is to blame for the trophy drought (told to News of the World): “If the role of a board member is to oversee a trophy-less period, while making significant personal profits and asking fans to pay inflation-busting ticket price increases then, no, I would not want to be on the board.

“If instead it is to try to deliver sustained success, to increase your personal investment in the club, to help develop the commercial position and to ensure the fans have a say in the running of the club then, yes, I think I certainly have something to contribute.

In other news, remember when I posted the comments from RVP yesterday regarding English players partying too much. Yes, well, as I predicted, the Dutchman has denied those comments on Twitter. Does the media have a grudge on van Persie or does van Persie frequently say things he regrets?

“In terms of doing things differently, let me give you a very clear example. Arsenal has all of its major commercial contracts coming up for renewal in the next couple of years.”

Certainly some very strong words from the Russian billionaire. Maybe he is just bitter of his failed takeover. Or maybe, because he is on the inside, he knows something we do not. The board may be in it for profit and profit only. Usmanov did not stop there though: 

 ”It’s no secret that to maximise the value of those you want to have success on the field and be winning trophies. To do that you need to invest now in building a winning team. This is simple commercial logic. Whether it comes to pass, we shall see.

“There is a widely-held view among most commentators – and one that I agree with – that the club needs to stiffen the defensive spine of the team, with a dominant keeper, strong centre-halves and a powerful defensive midfielder in the mould of Claude Makelele.

“The Premier League is one of the most competitive in the world and whilst we have consistently challenged for honours, the club needs to develop talent and buy top-class players to win the trophies we all crave. This requires greater investment which, I believe, has been lacking thus far.

“What however is not clear is whether the board shares this view. For too long they have seemed happy to sanction second, third and fourth as being acceptable, whilst at the same time they are planning to sell their shares.”

Now I am thinking that maybe Usmanov would have been a better guy to have as an owner. He clearly understands how football works. We do not know yet what Kroenke knows about football as a business and the team in general. Arsenal doesn’t need a sugar daddy, but we sure don’t need someone who is just going to suck the money out of the club.

Everyone always blames Wenger for not spending any cash. He could just be covering for owners who care more about their wallets than their trophy cabinets. Usmanov is obviously bitter about not being able to buy the shares even though he submitted a higher offer. But that does not mean that what he says is not true.

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News and Notes: Kroenke, Ramsey, Bale

  By jtom | 29/05/2011 - 7:05 AM | Uncategorized
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Stan Kroenke’s bid to buy Arsenal Football Club has been approved by the Premier League. Aaron Ramsey thinks Arsene Wenger needs to make some serious changes this summer. Gareth Bale is confident that Tottenham can finish above Arsenal next season, a bold statement to say the least.

American Stan Kroenke now officially owns 63% of our beloved Arsenal. The Premier League has made it official yesterday. However,  Alisher Usminov has not given up his dream of someday owning the club. Kroenke had this to say after becoming majority shareholder:

“As the controlling shareholder of Arsenal football club, it will always be our intention to do what’s necessary to assure success on the pitch, provide long-term stability and build on the accomplishments and history of the club.

“The club has funds to invest and will do so wisely. Our constant aim will be to compete for silverware and championships.

“Arsenal is not about one shareholder, one player or one fan. It’s a special institution and we look forward to celebrating that further during the 125th anniversary year of the club.”

Kroenke seems like the responsible owner of a club. He does not want to drive the club into debt by borrowing funds to buy the club (Glazers). Stan also is not the guy who will fire a manager a year after he won the double (Ibramovich). Do you think Kroenke can help bring silverware back to Arsenal?

Aaron Ramsey believes that it is finally time for Arsene to be a buyer in the transfer market: “I’m sure there will be changes like any other season but I expect Arsène will be active in the transfer market.

“There have already been a few names mentioned and I am sure there will be a few players in and out. Obviously we haven’t won anything for a long time. The pressure has grown and the fans have been quite vocal lately. But the spirit in the dressing room is the same as always. Everyone gets on with each other so there is nothing wrong with the team spirit. Hopefully we can go on and win a trophy next season.”

Notice how Ramsey said he “expects” Arsene will be active in the market. Players are now expecting Wenger to add talent to this side and improve it enough to compete for the top spot in the Premier League. Aaron wants to know there is a future of silverware for Arsenal, and I believe Arsene could reassure his players by bringing in several big names in key positions.

Gareth Bale thinks that Spurs can finish above us next season: “There’s no reason why we can’t finish above them.

“We have a great squad, great players who are still young and we are playing great football.

“If we keep progressing like we have done this year, maybe get a few more players in the squad, then there is no reason why not.”

Seeing as Spurs have not finished above us since the 1994-95 season, Bale may be overly optimistic. How does Bale expect to get a few more players in the lineup when Tottenham are competing in the Europa League. If Arsene can remedy our defensive weaknesses, then we will be challenging for the title.

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Thomas Vermaelen, Kroenke, and More!

  By jtom | 06/05/2011 - 8:30 PM | Uncategorized
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Many Gunner stories to get to today so let us not delay. First off, Thomas Vermaelen will be available for the game against Stoke at the weekend. Also, Stan Kroenke stands by his guns as he vows not to do it the Glazer way. Arsene Wenger continues to warn both the FA and Jack Wilshere over the harms of overworking a young player. All of these stories will be covered.

The Verminator is back. First we learned this from Wenger: “Thomas Vermaelen is available and could be in the squad.” When the official squad was announced, the Belgian centre half was included. There was no indications from Arsene on whether Vermaelen will start. Johan Djourou was fit enough to be in the squad after injury concerns cause him to be removed from the match against United.

There were a few notable exceptions from Wenger’s 25-man squad. Cesc Fabregas was will not able to contribute due to a thigh injury. This is the same injury that kept El Capitan from playing against the Red Devils. You have to wonder if his next game he plays for Arsenal will be one of his last. Two Frenchmen will also miss the Stoke game due to injuries. Samir Nasri is suffering from a hamstring issue while Abou Diaby is battling a calf problem.

Aaron Ramsey will likely earn a second straight start because of the absence of Cesc. The Welshman scored the winner in one of the more memorable matches this season. Look for more on that in my match preview tomorrow.

This statement was published in a document from a company called KSE, UK Inc, which is the company used by Kroenke to conduct his takeover: “The offer will not be funded by way of any debt finance for which the payment of interest on, repayment of or security for any liability will depend on the business of Arsenal.”

According to this statement on the Arsenal website, “(Kroenke) has committed to continue to operate the Club in line with our existing self-sustaining business model.” There is a whole lot of other legal nonsense that I will not pretend to understand. The good thing is that it looks like Kroenke will run the club responsibly and not run up a huge debt. He is certainly no sugar daddy so do not expect crazy spending.

Now we’re back to the Wilshere Under-21 story. I posted a few days ago a story about how Wilshere will be participating in the Under-21 World with England. Of course, Wenger does not approve of this action. Here is what he had to say: “I would never say that [Wilshere cannot play for England], first of all because I don’t feel I have the right to do that,” said Wenger.

“I educate English players to play for their country, if they can, but I would ask Fabio Capello to consider the consequences of a boy who is 19-years-old who has played around 50 games at the end of the season, who has played for the first team and then a tournament on the back of it.

“What will the consequences be for the next season? I don’t know but I feel the youth system is there to promote the players to play in the top team.

“It is the federation’s decision and the federation has to act in a responsible way. You cannot ask Jack if he wants to play – do you really think he will say no? I don’t think that’s realistic.

“I am happy that he wants to play every single game for his country. The question raised by him playing are the consequences for the country, for England.”

Wenger also told the media that he called England youth team manager Stuart Pierce to talk with him about it. Pierce will do what is required for his side to win. Wilshere will never say no to England. It seems like Wenger is the only one left pleading to me. Hopefully, Jack can handle all of the football he will be playing in the near future. He is clearly the future of the Gunners so let us all hope.

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Wenger on Kroenke, Wilshere

  By jtom | 15/04/2011 - 9:41 PM | Uncategorized
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Arsene clearly wantes Wilshere to take some time off this summer.

Arsene Wenger spoke to the media today about a number of issues. Chief among them was the new ownership. Everyone has heard about Stan Kroenke and the takeover of the club. That takeover is still in doubt because Usminov has said that he will not sell his 27% of the club. The AST (Arsenal Supporters Trust) have also said that they will not be selling their shares. Wenger said today that even if Kroenke takes over, things will be done the Wenger way:

“We will continue to run the club with the technical department having the decision on what is technical. 

“For all the rest I have to answer to Stan Kroenke and I am ready for any questions, but I run the technical department. On the football side of things we will continue to focus on the football the way we want to play it to develop our players.

“We have a squad which is about 23 years of age who are in a strong position in the league. We have a certain philosophy of football and we will continue to develop that and to play even better.

“We will continue to run the club like it has been done until now – that means live within our resources, produce our own resources and develop our football team.”

Wenger talked with Kroenke at a meeting on Thursday. We all know that as long as Wenger is here, the club we be run the Wenger way. No one is going to bully him around. He is in charge of the club at the moment, and he will do things the way he likes. Of course, Kroenke starts to grow tired of “Wenger’s Way” (and the empty trophy case) then he can sack the Frenchman.

Wenger also commented on the mentality of the team ahead of this critical stretch: “We don’t approach a game in that mental state – we think it is an opportunity we want to take. It is one of the games that can get us to the target that we want, so we look at it in a positive way.

 ”Liverpool have a good offensive force with Carroll and Suarez, we are as well an offensive team, so it promises to be an interesting game.”

I am really worried about how our defencewill react (or fail to react) to Andy Carroll, but that is something I will talk about in my match preview tomorrow. We have to take one match at a time. It will be tough. First, Liverpool, who blasted Manchester City 3-0 on Monday, will visit the Emirates. Then, on Wednesday, we will make the trip to White Hart Lane and try to beat the floundering Spurs, who were just eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid.

Wenger also commented on Jack Wilshere and his international ambitions: “Where I stand on it all is that it would be better for him not to play.

“We will accept the decision of the FA – but don’t forget that the difference between Spain and England is that they start the championship in September, and in England we start on the 15th of August.

“England have a friendly in August, if the under-21s go to the end of the tournament, I will have to give the player four to six weeks’ holiday. That means he might not be available for the friendly, nor for the (Euro 2012) qualifier because he will not be ready and that game is in September. England has to make a choice there.

“I know I have to respect the holiday period for the players and that is more a calculation which the England national team has to make.

“Maybe we will be without the player at the start of the season. 

“Ryan Giggs is still playing at 37 years of age, but he has never played in a major international tournament – that means he always had a good rest every summer.

“In the long term I think it has an impact on players who go to big tournaments, come back and play a championship like in England, where every game is a battle. You have to think carefully how to rest the players.”

A lot to react to there. First off, I do not believe that if Wilshere plays with the under-21s that he has to miss the senior games. He is 19 years-old, full of energy. Why does he need a four to six week break? I know that Cesc and RVP needed a break after the World Cup, but maybe they could have been in better shape.

If Ryan Giggs had an opportunity to play in a World Cup or European Championship, I am sure he would have done so. Because he is Welsh he has not had the choice of whether to play in an international tournament or not. We all know that Sir Alex pushed players to miss their international duties, and that is why Giggs no longer player with Wales.

Plus, Giggs is just an anomaly. Most players are not playing at the level he is when they are 32 let along 37. We will see what decisions Wilshere, the FA, and Wenger make on this issue after the season. For now, let’s focus on catching Man United.

Check back tomorrow  for a full preview of the Arsenal-Liverpool match.

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