Bharath Rammr
Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan says that Arsene Wenger is transforming Arsenal from a feared club into a comedy outfit. In his more than 20 years after the club, Wenger has lifted numerous honours to become branded as one of the greatest managers in the history of the Premier league. However, he has failed in a crucial aspect – helping Arsenal win the league title since the 2003-04 season.
The long wait for the title has tested the patience of supporters. Just when it seemed that this would be Arsenal’s season, a 3-1 hammering at the hands of Chelsea during the weekend has effectively ended any hopes of a league title this season. Arsenal will once again be fighting for a fourth spot. The club will not be considered as realistic contenders for the Champions League even though they have qualified for the knockout stages. In his column for The National , Forlan said:
“Opinions are divided on [Arsene Wenger].
“It’s quite sad because he’s a brilliant football manger but something is not working there. They can’t carry on without being serious title contenders until Wenger decides to quit.
Forlan is someone who saw Arsene Wenger and Arsenal in their best times. The team was consistently challenging with Manchester United for the league titles and other trophies. Now, United are likely to be relishing the prospect of overthrowing Arsenal and going into the top four. Even though the Red Devils are without a win in the last three league matches ahead of the Leicester game, Jose Mourinho will see that Arsenal and Liverpool are there for the taking. Both clubs have been going through a terrible run of form in recent games.
Forlan has urged Arsene Wenger to quit Arsenal, as he does not see the club challenging for the league title unless the Frenchman leave to be replaced by someone with fresh ideas. Wenger has transformed the club on and off the field. His ability to spot young talent was a major factor in the club surviving the tough financial conditions that existed at the club for almost a decade since the construction of the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal had to invest their faith in youngsters. While it did not result in trophies, the club managed to comfortably qualify for the Champions League in each season.
“When Arsenal are talked about as title contenders, people actually laugh because they can’t see it happening.
“No league title since 2004 is not good for a club of their stature … when I played in England there were times when they were the best team.
“Even some of the other Manchester United players admitted that Arsenal had a better side. Arsenal were one of the few teams against which United had to revert to more defensive tactics because we knew they had players who could seriously punish us.”
Their presence in the European competition was a major factor in the club being able to attract players like Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. Now the future of the star players has been called into question, with the title being ruled out for yet another season. Ozil has been linked with a move to Manchester United, a move which will reunite him with his former boss Jose Mourinho. He has been one of the better players for the club, even though there has been criticism about his consistency.
Forlan thinks that even though people have been talking about Arsenal becoming title contenders, he does not seem to think that it will happen.
