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Arsenal Club Statement Provides Kroenkes With Another Punchbag
Sir Chips Keswick has given a nothing official club statement on Arsene Wenger and Arsenal’s future, simply giving the Kroenkes another punchbag.
It has been a troubling week for Arsenal and their supporters. After a series of lethargic displays saw their Premier League and Champions League hopes scuppered, the Gunners proceeded to play at their very worst against a struggling Liverpool side, eventually losing 2-1.
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They then continued their venture into despair with another 5-1 loss to Bayern Munich, consigning their fans to a state of utter division and rage. As such, the pressure on Arsene Wenger has only grown, with many fans, media analysts and now even former players are suggesting that, when his contract expires at the end of the season, Wenger should end his tenure in North London.
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There has been little official word from the club throughout this tempestuous season and people’s knowledge of the intentions of the board were based on little more than mere reports and rumour. That was until Thursday afternoon when Sir Chips Keswick revealed the club’s plans regarding Wenger and the future. In an official statement, Keswick stated:
"“We are fully aware of the attention currently focused on the club and understand the debate. We respect that fans are entitled to their different individual opinions but we will always run this great football club with its best long-term interests at heart. Arsène has a contract until the end of the season. Any decisions will be made by us mutually and communicated at the right time in the right way.”"
It’s safe to say that this statement reveals very little concrete information whatsoever. That is to be expected given the vociferous atmosphere that has engulfed the club. However, it does reveal the intentions of the Stan Kroenke, and they are not particularly rosy for the future of Arsenal football club.
Silent Stan as he is unaffectionately known among the fanbase has established himself as an owner who is money-orientated. He does not care for winning, he does not share the same hopeless ambition of the fans. He is simply bothered about the profit at the other end. And for that, Kroenke needs a punchbag, a fall-guy, someone to take the blame.
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For many years, Wenger has been the perfect candidate. Loyal to the club, steadfast in his ideals and philosophies, resolute enough to withstand heavy criticism. Now, though, his wall has been chipped away by relentless questioning from the fans. Kroenke needs a new punchbag, and the board, spearheaded by Sir Keswick, are his choice.