Arsenal And Paul Pogba: Wenger's Philosophy Or Wenger's Balls?
Paul Pogba’s agent has criticised Arsenal for prioritising their philosophy over his balls. Which would you choose then; Wenger’s philosophy or his balls?
Arsenal’s transfer behaviour has been a source of great ridicule and pain, depending on which side of the fence you sit. For some, the continual rumours, linked with unlikely stars are simply reminders of missed opportunities, while for others, they are a jibe at the once great Arsene Wenger sides, a joy to all those who simply see the Gunners as a backsliding, selling club.
One again, this summer’s transfer window brought with it the inevitable missed opportunities. The likes of now Juventus forward Gonzalo Higuain, Atletico striker and Euros star Antoine Griezmann and the King of the King Power, Leicester’s fox in the box, Jamie Vardy. All were incessantly linked with a move to the Emirates, in Vardy’s case, a bid was even made, and yet none are donning the red of the North London club.
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Why? Well, there are two primary answers to a rather complex and intricate question. One suggestion is Wenger’s philosophy. The other, is his balls. Here is the agent of world record signing Paul Pogba, Mino Raiola, speaking on the subject of Wenger’s notorious hesitancy in the market:
“It’s not just a case of spending the money. It’s shouldering the responsibility of spending that money and saying, ‘yes, this is my man’. Arsenal have the money but do they have the balls? I respect Arsene Wenger. He has a philosophy that says these figures don’t match what I want to do, so that’s OK. I think Manchester United showed the world this summer that they were not going to stand still, they want to be the best. They sent out a message with the transfers they did that this is the biggest club in the world.”
Raiola, to all intents and purposes, raises some valid points. Arsenal, under the guidance of Wenger, certainly lack the ruthlessness in the transfer market that he attributes to Manchester United. However, this is not, as Raiola seems to suggest, due to a lack of courage. Wenger is willing to commit to the cause. Every time he signs a player, that is an indication of his willingness in stating ‘this is my man’.
Rather, he is wholly unyielding and unwavering in his belief that every player has a price and under no circumstances is he ever willing to pay over said price. It has happened throughout his tenure in North London, and it will happen many times more. That is the why that Wenger works.
So, don’t criticise Wenger for lacking balls. Criticise him for being cheap, naive in his belief that he need not overpay for the player he wants and overly optimistic. Do not, however, underestimate his courage and conviction. As a manager for nearly 20 years at Arsenal, balls are not something that you can live without.
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