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Gazidis on Arsene Wenger’s Career: “I’d never put an end-date on it”
Two weeks ago, Arsenal’s chief executive Ivan Gazidis spoke to the media in Singapore about the Arsene Wenger saga. The South African in charge of directing Arsenal FC declared his admiration of the French Boss and his future career, saying “He’s been incredibly important for us… He’s full of energy and enthusiasm, his hunger is still there, and I’d never put an end-date on it,” (prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com).
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So, what does this statement mean for Arsenal in the future?
Before skipping straight to conclusions, though, one should take a quote like this one ‘with a grain of salt.’ Hypothetically of course, if the dramtically-hyped Arsenal were to finish outside of the Premier League top four this season, for example – something that hasn’t happened to the Gunners since Wenger took over – le Prof’s time at Arsenal would be under serious pressure and could definitely be up.
Though Wenger hasn’t steered his side to a top two finish in 10 years, it’s the French manager’s consistency, not necessarily his trophies, that has kept him at the club for 19 years, the longest managerial stint at one club in EPL history (dailymail.co.uk).
Switching back to the subject of the quote, Gazidis’ statement regarding Arsene Wenger’s career reveals one thing: his great trust in the Arsenal boss.
Though many wouldn’t say Wenger is exactly sitting on the ‘hot seat’ right now after (arguably) ending last season’s campaign with moderate EPL success, Arsene still has plenty to prove at Arsenal even in the short term.
The last time the Gunners won the title was in 2004, and the last time they placed 2nd was in 2005. Throughout the years between then and now, Arsenal has either placed 3rd or 4th, a significantly consistent achievement but not one of true greatness that earns the club silverware. So what are the implications of Gazidis’ seemingly ever-lasting trust in Wenger?
Though Arsenal are primed for what many have been recently predicting for the side, a serious title challenge throughout the upcoming season, the lone Arsenal signing so far of the summer transfer window might not be enough to carry the Gunners to EPL greatness.
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In fact, to give the North London club its best chance to challenge for and win the title next year, Wenger would need to show even more ambition in the transfer window. However, after impressing this pre-season, the title is definitely within reach, as Wenger and Arsenal can control their own destiny this campaign. The title challenge, let alone the title, is there for the taking.
To wrap it up, Arsene Wenger must show Gazidis that the Frenchman’s boss is putting his trust in the right place. Wenger must prove that this season, with a significant EPL title challenge and hopefully for Arsenal, at least a 2nd place finish. It could take another key signing or tactics upgrade for Arsenal to do so. But whatever it takes, Wenger must show Arsenal that he is the man for the job because it doesn’t look like he is leaving Arsenal any time soon.
Next: Is Mourinho Getting Too Cocky?