Interesting. You also don't see a problem with Wenger being involved with the decision to raise ticket prices. This is where bias starts to creep in. A funny thing has started to happen on these boards. A few months back when we'd discuss these sort of issues, there was outright denial that he was ever involved in such a process. It usually crops up when discussing the transfer budget and wage structure. As things develop and more information comes out, we find out that Wenger is more involved with these things than some people would like to believe.Originally Posted by Charlie the Gooner
Not sure if you were a part of this debate, but I think Super Ghel and a few others were back on the old GW. The discussion went down the same route. I think it was about Nasri and the way the club allowed his contract to run down to less than two years. At first, a few people were arguing that he's not involved with that side of the business, so they place the blame firmly on the guys in the background, but it then becomes clear that Wenger is involved with these sort of decisions and can make difference. This is why I have a problem with so much of our problems being deflected on to the Board. It's an easy scapegoat. It's gone from Wenger not being involved and separate from to these guys to him being involved but it's 'okay' he's doing nothing wrong or out of the ordinary. It's in his job description.
This stance against the Board has been going on for years in fact and I've always been adamant that he's part of the 'old boys' club. He fits right in and that's why I give him more stick because people are too willing to look past that aspect of his character. It's not acceptable to look past these things and reply back with a 'how do you know' or 'were you there' type of response when discussing what's happening in the background. When it comes to light, with such interviews, of how involved he is, we get the shrug of the shoulders type, 'I don't see the problem' response. Not saying it's just you, it's just the way this overall discussion has gone and I'm starting to see a pattern. It started way before this thread was created. Years maybe. If people don't see a problem with Wenger being involved with key decisions like this, then why outright deny that he's involved with the process in the first place?
I'm not saying Wenger has the final word on these things, but he can influence the decision. Wenger is the golden goose here. They wouldn't ask him if they didn't respect his opinion. We wouldn't be here if they didn't. Take F1 for example.The Mercedes team have brought in Schuamacher so he can help them build a championship winning car. They rely on his feedback. If he told them they need to invest in better tires for a championship winning car, wouldn't it be foolish of them not to listen to his advice? On too many occasions, I find Wenger pulling in the direction of the Board instead of what's right for the team. Look at that meeting. He's patting them on the back for being courageous and applauding their model. He mentions he was involved with the ticket price hike decision and practically jumps in front of the bullet for these guys. Why mention that he was involved in such an unpopular decision amongst the fans? He knows he has clout with the crowd and that's why he used it. Why can't he do the reveres with the Board? If people are saying he's being denied funds so they can pocket the difference, why isn't he demanding all of it? He doesn't have the final word but I can't imagine another manager that has his sort of status in the club allowing it to happen. Without Wenger, this business model is impossible. Impossible. It wouldn't happen if we had someone like Fergie, O'Neil, Redknapp, Ancelotti...whoever. It's Wenger's philosophy on developing youth that ties this whole thing up and it's not something that was forced on him. The wheels were set in motion when we sold Anelka and co and then decided to invest in the training ground and academy. Wenger firmly believes in the Ajax model of youth development. That is what he's trying to replicate. Check all his interviews on developing talent and think back to when he was getting stick for not developing English talent. He told reporters it would take 10 years before they'd see the fruits of his labour behind the scenes regarding English talent and we're starting to see it now with JW. He kept stressing to the FA to replicate the French National Academy system that completely changed French football and resulted in the World Cup and Euro wins. That's the level of Wenger's thinking. You have to start young when it comes to developing talent. He firmly believes that and English football has always been way behind when it came to that level of thinking. This is why Wenger is held to such a high esteem at Arsenal. He has the vision that nobody else had.
Wenger doesn't have total power but he has the Board's ear. If he felt Gazidis was wrong for the club he could have said something. If he felt the self sustaining model was wrong and we needed outside investment, he could have said something. Would they have taking his opinion on board? We don't know. But they give him a lot of credit for us moving to the Emirates and developing our Youth system. A heck of a lot. It's obvious the Board and Wenger see eye to eye on these issues, but if we're going to talk about thieving, deceptive bastards...it might be worth paying close attention to Wenger. It's a hard one, but he's the mouthpiece that's calling for piece and harmony knowing that these guys 'have their hands in our pockets'. That's what I have a problem with.
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