Originally Posted by
IBK
Back to the OP - what your argument appears to assume is that there is only one way to motivate your team. For me it is patently obvious that Wenger is at fault for his players' approach to some games. Here are some examples.
- The manager consistently signals that certain games are less important than others. We saw this on the weekend, when starting a 'second string' team against Blackburn gave the clear message that this was a game that we could win without 100% commitment - and it showed in the team's approach to the game. The same applied to last season's CC final - when the team's lackadaisical approach to the run up to the final continued in its attitude on the pitch.
Even our second string should be sufficient to beat Blackburn and Birmingham, yes, but that's not the point. I can understand how Wenger's laptop tells him that he must rotate his team - but it is inevitable that when you signal that your priority is other than the game in hand, this will inevitably translate to your players on the pitch. Particularly when you are not a great man- motivator in the first place.
Similarly, Wenger's tacit admission that the EPL is beyond the club's resources - both in terms of his allowing our best talent to leave the club each season, and in his defence of finishing in fourth place over the seasons is damaging in terms of players' motivation. We are scared of playing so-called 'bigger' teams, and this fear is generated in part by the manager's overall approach over the past few years. If you give the impreession that you will accept second best then so will your players.
I would argue too that the way that Wenger behaves towards his players is de-motivating. How many times have we seen certain players stink the place up yet be 'rewarded' by keeping their place in the team. Players like Diaby, Gervinho have done little or nothing to justify starting berths - yet are persisted with. Walcott is indulged with a central striking role when is is patently obvious that he cannot be effective there against any half decent defence. This will inevitably lead to complacency. Other players - such as Jenkinson and Koscielny after last season, and Rosicky this season are dropped/not played despite being on hot streaks. I understand that to a degree these are issues for all managers. I understand too that in Wenger's head he is convinced that his players will come good. But both persisting with mediocrity and not rewarding good performances will inevitably de-motivate.
I feel also that Wenger over-protects his players. I am not arguing that he should attack them in public, but too often we see statements being made about his teams ability or performances, or PR spin that sidesteps obviously poor results. Compare and contrast Wenger and Laudrup last weekend. Over protected players will not bleed for the team every weekend. You have to get the balance right, and IMO Wenger doesn't.
Finally the lack of coaching, the self-confessed failures both to prepare to play the opposition that the team is facing and to practice the set pieces that can yield 'easy' goals is inevitably de-motivating. Particularly in a team so bereft of leaders, if the way you play is as ineffective as ours is, and if other teams can nullify us consistently, then of course the players are going to question themselves and motivation is going to suffer.
