I couldn't believe how many of my fellow supporters were positive about the proposed Arteta appointment.
Now the dust has settled and we've gone for an experience coach/manager have your thoughts changed on Arteta and if we had instead gone down that route?
My two cents - Yes it would have been exciting, in the same way gambling your savings on long odds could be - the reality is the chances of him becoming a top manager are very slim.
For me it would have been an absolutely mental appointment and the last thing a club going through its biggest structural change in who knows how long needs.
Arteta may well turn out to be a top manager in time and while I wouldn't class him as even a memorable player for us I'd happily welcome him as manager once he's proven he's up to the task.
On to our new manager - Unai Emery may not be everyone's first choice but IMO he's a seriously exciting prospect (yes he should have done better at PSG, particular in his first season). However he's got an excellent track record in general, with an eye on youth and attacking football.
I just really hope his English is up to the required standard (having heard rumours stating otherwise), by all accounts he's very tactical and hands on which many of our players really need, however if he can't communicate excellently that side of his approach could be a big fail.
The below story is pretty classic and it's a shame our players will likely be aware of this trick in advance as they could certainly use some "homework":
At Valencia, Emery’s video ‘homework’ was delivered via USB drive. When he suspected one player was not following his advice, Emery gave him a blank drive. “Did you watch it?" Emery asked. “Yes, don’t worry boss," came the reply.
Strange couple of days for us fans
posted on 24/5/18
comment by Gillespie Road. - Protagonism, Pressing, Possession (U18361)
posted 32 minutes ago
I wonder how much of the backroom staff is going to get shipped out. I've just been on the official site, and they only have Emery as the only confirmed change.
I'd expect a bit of continuity, but I'd also understand it if some of the older guys who came over from Japan with Wenger chose to step down.
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Vik Akers retired and Colin Lewin has been "let go"
posted on 24/5/18
Think most people were just trying to convince themselves Arteta seemed a good idea because it looked likely to happen. I’m thankful it didn’t, it would have been a massive unnecessary risk for us to take. Yes Emery might not work out, but there is less of a chance than with Arteta.
His English will be fine. Poch couldn’t speak much English at Southampton, and used an interpreter for his first season. It didn’t stop him doing well there.
posted on 24/5/18
I think Emery is a good appointment. We must be patient though. Would love to see an instant success but realistically could be looking at 2 years to start improving. I'm quietly optimistic.
posted on 24/5/18
comment by 16Bit (U3448)
posted 20 minutes ago
I think Emery is a good appointment. We must be patient though. Would love to see an instant success but realistically could be looking at 2 years to start improving. I'm quietly optimistic.
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I think the improvement would be almost instant, but catching up to the clubs in top 4 might take some time. We've spent a good few years stagnating in the league while the others have pushed on.
posted on 24/5/18
comment by Serial WUManiser™© - In Unai We Trust (U1410)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by 16Bit (U3448)
posted 20 minutes ago
I think Emery is a good appointment. We must be patient though. Would love to see an instant success but realistically could be looking at 2 years to start improving. I'm quietly optimistic.
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I think the improvement would be almost instant, but catching up to the clubs in top 4 might take some time. We've spent a good few years stagnating in the league while the others have pushed on.
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I wish I could be as positive as you are.
My concerns are not about the manager but more about our current players. I think to some extend, we put all the blames on Wenger (rightly so) without taking into account how bad our squad/players are.
We sold a lot of players, most of them in their prime and none of them went on and became superstar. If anything, most of the case, it was downhill for them from the moment tehy left us.
So there is absolutely nothing pointing toward a new manager capable of getting more from them.
I know this is controversial and I'd like to be proven wrong but I don't have much hope.
posted on 24/5/18
comment by Wenger gone, Kroenke next .. Blimey (U10012)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Serial WUManiser™© - In Unai We Trust (U1410)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by 16Bit (U3448)
posted 20 minutes ago
I think Emery is a good appointment. We must be patient though. Would love to see an instant success but realistically could be looking at 2 years to start improving. I'm quietly optimistic.
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I think the improvement would be almost instant, but catching up to the clubs in top 4 might take some time. We've spent a good few years stagnating in the league while the others have pushed on.
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I wish I could be as positive as you are.
My concerns are not about the manager but more about our current players. I think to some extend, we put all the blames on Wenger (rightly so) without taking into account how bad our squad/players are.
We sold a lot of players, most of them in their prime and none of them went on and became superstar. If anything, most of the case, it was downhill for them from the moment tehy left us.
So there is absolutely nothing pointing toward a new manager capable of getting more from them.
I know this is controversial and I'd like to be proven wrong but I don't have much hope.
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FFS the state of you IAWT.
Look at the players in big games. They had no drive, no direction, no urgency to press the ball. Defensively they were a joke. Collective mistake coupled with simple basic positional issues.
Like Xhaka letting every midfielder he played against just drive past him unnoticed and unchallenged. That's not down to poor players. It's down to the wrong person doing the wrong jobs.
The coach will have a big say on the teams work ethic. Wenger let his side gt away will all kinds of lazy play. Ememry has made it clear. Possession football but intense pressing without the ball. And if they can't handle it, they can fack right off.
I'm very hopeful for the season ahead. Like i said it might take time to implement his philosophy and probably 2-3 transfer windows, but i believe he will get there.
posted on 24/5/18
I was pro Arteta but I’m very happy with this appointment. For the first time in like 10 years I’m actually looking forward to next season
posted on 24/5/18
IAWT - we are not talking about winning the league here, we are talking about top 4 and Europa which was very achievable even with the team we had last season.
Our defence was a disaster last season, worst ever in 20 odd years.
Also the players we sold,
Giroud is still producing the same as he did with us
Sanchez is with Maury so what do you expect
Ox - performed OK with Liverpool
Walcott - well he wasn't really playing at his prime with us
We are not talking about winning the league here, top 4 and Europa, oh and if we can squeeze in the FA cup I would totally happy, can't take another final like we had last week.
posted on 24/5/18
Emery has been top of the league every day he’s been at Arsenal. Emery has never been lower than 1st in the English football league pyramid. Not many managers can say that.
posted on 24/5/18
comment by The Gin Palace (U21084)
posted 8 hours, 58 minutes ago
comment by HRH King Ledley (U20095)
posted 3 minutes ago
Fooooreeeeessssshplain
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that must have sounded funnier in your head
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It was funny enough watching it, don't worry about that