Quote Originally Posted by Syn View Post
I think it's reasonable to think Wenger had a chance of competing with Man Utd, Newcastle, Liverpool in '96 than competing with Man City now. When he came, he knew a lot of shit that other managers didn't. He knew all this Japanese dietary stuff, training methods and knew about all these French players that no-one had much idea of. He had that knowledge and he exploited it. Now that information has become far more transparent, the role of the manager is more towards motivating players. And maybe he's not good at that.

Fully agree with TEG's comment earlier. I firmly believe our squad was good enough to win the league last season (and the season before). Wenger can collect all the ingredients needed (well, players, anyway) but that's where it ends.
I agree with your last point, and feel that this is one of the main ways in which Wenger is letting us down - his refusal to bring in a hungry, motivational no.2. This is not intended as a criticism of Pat Rice - but its clear that the chemistry, for whatever reason is not working, and that some fresh ideas are required in the coaching department. The manager's apparent refusal to consider this is a dereliction of duty, as is the failure to take effective steps to address our ridiculous injury situation, that has now undoubtedly wrecked our chances for several years.

As for your first comment - I agree that the reality is that AW had a better chance of competing in 1996. But my point more concerned hunger for success and the determination to do whatever it takes in pursuit of success. Wenger in his first years was ruthless and committed in applying every conceivable resource in pursuit of the title. I don't think we can say the same now, when experimentation and 'philosophy' appear to be allowed to stand in the way, justified by the fact that its that much harder to succeed these days.