Mental Strength - What is it and does Arsenal have it?

[Kano]

Syn, I'm sorry, I take it all back.

[LDG]

I think we've just witnessed what mental strwwwengfth we have.

Useless cunts.

[IBK]

I think we've just witnessed what mental strwwwengfth we have.

Useless cunts.

Yes - I tried to defend the team. As usual they have mugged me off, and that is Wenger's Arsenal through and through.

[IBK]

I think the essence of the issue is that we do and we don't have the right mentality in our team. We have willing players, who are prepared to but into the manager's methods, and who show the right general attitude on and off the pitch. What we don't have is leaders; inherent self belief or a winning mentality. And the latter means something other than simply trying hard or wanting to win. It means both the need to win at all costs and the nous to bring this about.

What is clear, however, is that the qualities that we lack are ones that the right manager can bring to a team. I think a winning mentality is something that can be transmitted from a manager to his team. If we look at Leicester; Spurs - even the likes of West Ham or Watford. What these teams share is that their managers are able to instill an element of assurance in their teams' approach to games. A winning mentality does not necessarily mean that a team wins all its games. It means that the team performs to the very best of its abilities - and we have seen many examples of this throughout the league this season. Just not from Arsenal.

So when Wenger praises his team for having a good mental attitude he is not all wrong. The problem is that in his rather delusional mindset, he seems not to understand what is needed to be winners.

[Niall_Quinn]

We have leaders. Cech, Alexis, Coquelin, all lead by example. But we have a manager who won't permit input on even trivial aspects of the functioning of the club or the team. I bet he's down there in the kitchen instructing them how to make tea the Arsenal Way. A gaggle of yes men is all he wants. There's only one leader, the Jim Jones of the PL.

[IBK]

We have leaders. Cech, Alexis, Coquelin, all lead by example. But we have a manager who won't permit input on even trivial aspects of the functioning of the club or the team. I bet he's down there in the kitchen instructing them how to make tea the Arsenal Way. A gaggle of yes men is all he wants. There's only one leader, the Jim Jones of the PL.

I'm not sure that leading by example is enough under Wenger. This is his mantra, and its not working. What we need is more vocal players who can be coaches on the pitch...

[Niall_Quinn]

I'm not sure that leading by example is enough under Wenger. This is his mantra, and its not working. What we need is more vocal players who can be coaches on the pitch...

That's what I'm saying. Leading by example is the best they can do. When it comes to actual leadership only one petty tyrant need apply. Can you imagine if Cech *was* allowed to make defensive calls in-game, using his vast experience and winner's track record? Or if Alexis could grab Ramsey and say, fucking stay there, ok? We have Merts, whose role as captain is to collect fines from players who are late arriving to injury practise, and we have Arteta whose main role is to have nice hair. Nice and safe options for Wenger.

[IBK]

That's what I'm saying. Leading by example is the best they can do. When it comes to actual leadership only one petty tyrant need apply. Can you imagine if Cech *was* allowed to make defensive calls in-game, using his vast experience and winner's track record? Or if Alexis could grab Ramsey and say, fucking stay there, ok? We have Merts, whose role as captain is to collect fines from players who are late arriving to injury practise, and we have Arteta whose main role is to have nice hair. Nice and safe options for Wenger.

Ah - then we are well on the same song sheet. Strange how Wenger can be so laissez faire with his tactics/style of play, yet so rigid in his choice of player personality types.