Arsenal: Loyal Hector Bellerin Shows Desperate Need For Arsene Wenger
Hector Bellerin has stated that his loyalty to Arsene Wenger is ‘worth more than money’. Such comments show the desperate need for the Arsenal manager.
One of Arsene Wenger’s key ideals in the running of Arsenal football club has centred on the dressing room. One of his key priorities that influences every decision that he makes is protecting the harmony of the squad; ensuring that his players are valued as people, rather just a means to an end.
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As a result, the players that are a part of the squad often feel pulled to the club, are loyal to their manager and will stay in North London for extended periods of time. It is one of the primary positives to Wenger’s management: that he is able to attract players to the club and then keep them happy while at the club, creating continuity and consistency withing the playing squad.
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One man who has experienced the benefits of such an approach is Hector Bellerin. Amid the questioning of Wenger, his future at the club and rumours linking the full-back with a possible move back to Barcelona, Bellerin was asked whether he values Wenger’s input in his career. To that, he stated:
"“The loyalty to this person is worth more than money, it’s something very important to me. That he’s there carries a lot of weight for me. Any player would be flattered by interest from Barca. It’s the best club in the world and that is very nice. The fact that I grew up in the Barca academy also makes this a bit more special, although for now I’m focused on these games and on the season, and the rest will come later.”"
Such comments are not all that surprising to find. It is well known that Wenger is a key influence in the lives of his players; that he is a well respected and revered figure; that he is admired by many and consequently loyally defended and supported by many.
Any new manager entering the fray where he must win over the support of the players from the off faces a thankless task. Just take a glance north at the chaos that has ensued in Manchester in the aftermath of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
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There is a need for change at Arsenal, at the playing level, the management level and the board level. However, sudden change could well be detrimental to the club, both in the short and long term. There is still a need for Wenger, for him to aid the transition process, and Bellerin’s invaluable loyalty to him is just another example of that.