Arsene Wenger has revealed that allowing Kieran Gibbs to leave Arsenal this summer ‘hurt’ him, more than the departure of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Gunners sold both players in the final day of the transfer window, with the Ox joining Liverpool and Gibbs joining West Bromwich Albion.
Both players have been very average for our side in recent years, and even though Chamberlain looked to be flourishing in his final six months at the Emirates, had done very little in his time with the club.
There are a number of players in the squad who fans have become disillusioned with, including Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, and more recently Francis Coquelin, and is it could well be Wenger’s emotional attachment to players that is stopping them from being sold.
Wenger said: ‘Of course. And I believe that for (players that leave) it must be difficult to make that step as well.
‘He did not ask to leave, it was a mutual decision. He wanted to play – he’s 27, or 28. You want to play at that age.
‘It was a difficult decision but on the other hand when a guy has given you so many years you have to accept that if he is not sure to play.
‘It is a fact that we have got Kolasinac, you cannot keep three left-backs (along with Nacho Monreal).’
‘Ideally you want stability and you want players who carry the values for the generations,’ he said.
‘Overall it’s true that with Gibbs (it hurt) more than Chamberlain because he had been educated at Arsenal from the age of 10.
‘When he arrived he was a left-winger. I transformed him into a full-back because he was not necessarily rated as a guy who would make it as a left winger but I saw something in him that was very intelligent, with pace, that made me feel he could make it as a left-back.
‘Academy players carry the values that you think are important, which are based on mental qualities, humility, respect and commitment, and as well football qualities which means you always try to play in a positive way. Plus real team play and focusing on a collective way.’
Is our squad being left behind by our rivals because of Wenger’s over-attachment? Which players have been given too much time to prove their worth to Arsenal?
Pat J
Good luck to Gibbs in his career. I would certainly be happy if he can score an own goal tomorrow to help our course. We need all the help we can get from our just departed players the old ones are contributing to our downfall. Speaking of downfall, Ian nitwit Wright had just giving a free advise to Pulis on how to beat us tomorrow on BBC. It is the classic “get in their face” kick and kick them all day. He was being complimented by rival fans on how he constantly criticising us and he was urged to continue and he is loving it.
justarsenal and pointless articles …..are we suppose to bring him back to bench kolasinac or are we to change the stubbornman mindset …. .. ….we should wait untill we play WBA or one hour b4 before pasting articles pls IMO……
OT:I should’ve brought you guys this info some months ago.Arsenal are working hard to sign Jose Gimenez of Athletico Madrid on a pre contract in January.
Mesut Ozil has told Arsenal he won’t be renewing his contract and wants a move to Man Utd.He’s told his agent that hs’ll listen to offers from Utd.
Ozil at Utd will be utterly scary , with 2 monster’s in Matic and Fellaini to shield the ball and Ozil providing the magic through balls for Lukaku, Rashford and Martial they will be an unstoppable juggernaut
Yep.
The “fans” here deserve this outcome. But, I am hoping for competition from Barca or Real for Ozil. I do no want Ozil in the EPL once he leaves us.
It is sad. I think Ozil was close to re-signing it seemed until the stupid ex-Arsenal players got on his case.
if özil’s waiting to go manu then it continues a trend we were told wouldn’t happen no more – saying i don’t believe it.
What trend?. At the end of the season, Ozil stops being an arsenal player and he is free to go anywhere.
its a shameless mercenary trend
So true . Ex Arsenal players and the new trend of fans abusing the players will be a major reason any top players decide against coming to Arsenal . How can Arsenal be an attractive destination when you aren’t even given support from your own fan base .
It would be a smart way of Wenger to take revenge on the “fans” here. Let the contracts of your best players laps and see them go to direct players. Good plan by Wenger and Co. It will teach the fans who is really in charge and it ain’t the fans.
Oh, I forgot to add, of course, it is the fans fault if we lose.
Nice try Leo.
I like to answer the part that asks which players have been giving too much time to prove their worth..lolzzz
Kroenke
Wenger
Ramsey
Wilshere
Ox…(Thank God he is gone)
Time is fast ticking on Elneny, and I love Le coq cos I blv Wenger is the one changing his game, he is a specialist. DMF
What do you want more from elneny.
Not fantastic, not bad either, just average performance
for an average player.
He done his job, a bench player and he accept it
I have to agree that I don’t think Elneny is the problem. In fact, he plays above his price tag.
Our recent dissapointments or low yields on investment are:
Chambers, Gabriel, Perez, Xhaka, and Mustafi all for different reasons. Chamber, Gabriel, and Perez were poor investments because Wenger didn’t rate them or didn’t utilize them very much. Xhaka was a poor investment because he is nothing more than an excellent passer but not a great DM, he lacks closing speed, tackling and positioning IMO. Mustafi because he could not hold the level at which he started of and he seems unhappy or unwanted.
People have various opinions on Wenger, hence the constant battle between AKB’s and WOB’s, but I think we can all agree on one thing – he’s a loyal man, and has always stayed true to his principles and beliefs. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a manager treat his players with such love, and support. Sometimes I wish he hasn’t done that (Diaby, Wilshere, Ox are all good examples) but you can’t fault him for trying to get the best out of his guys. He always struck me as a father figure, and I think most of the players saw him as one. It’s a rarity these days, and I thank you, Mr. Wenger, for been a part of something truly wonderful that made me fall in love with the game of football, and particularly with Arsenal.
I would prefer Ozil to switch to EPL club. Be is just a lazy player who does not instill fear In me. Only Sanchez can can do better. If Ozil goes to Man U, Mourino cannot give him chances like in Arsenal. Let him go. Why fans are cryi g for Ozil this much?