Arsene’s most eventful press conference for some time
226 comments January 13th, 2007
Usually, an Arsene Wenger press conference consists of saying that we have a “great spirit”, that he believes in “the potential of this team”, and that a bunch of people are injured. Yesterday, we got all that, but we also got a huge amount of transfer news.
Firstly, despite recieving offers for the Swede, Freddie Ljungberg will stay. Arsene says:
“He will stay. He has two more years to go. Freddie is part of our squad and he knows that. I have clarified it with him and said, ‘Listen, you stay and that’s it’. I have spoken to him personally.
He was a bit uncertain about his future. I needed to have a clear chat with him, to see how he feels, does he accept competition for places and he’s ready for that. He has been frustrated through injuries. He has a part to play in the future of Arsenal.
He makes runs from midfield, behind the defenders and the other players are more who come to the ball. It’s an interesting asset to have in your team.”
If Ljungberg is prepared to accept that he is no longer an automatic first choice, then he can prove to be a decent squad player. The last point Arsene makes is a valid one: he does provide something different to the likes of Hleb and Rosicky, and could always pop up in the box with a vital goal.
Another man who might be staying is Jeremie Aliadiere. You can understand his dilemma: with Henry, Van Persie, Adebayor, and Baptista also available, it’s going to be tough for him to force his way into the side on a regular basis, but it seems he’s going to give it a go.
Lauren, however, is unlikely to be around come February, and will certainly be gone by the Summer. Much as I want him to stay, you can’t underestimate the impact an injury like his can have on his capacity to perform at this level. Arsene, meanwhile, is more keen to highlight the progression of the young players in his absence:
“The problem is that since Lauren got injured I have Justin Hoyte who got promoted, I have Emmanuel Eboue who got promoted and I have Johan Djourou who can play in there too. It’s always the same. You make room for young players and then it is difficult to leave them out again. I feel we have too many players in that position now. Lauren is free to talk to anyone because it is the end of his contract but frankly I don’t know if he has spoken to West Ham. He doesn’t have to inform me if he wants to speak to anyone.”
If and when Ralph goes, I’ll be very sorry to see the back of him.
Today it’s Blackburn away. The signs aren’t good: an evening kick-off up in the north-west has never really suited us. But we’re in good form and have every chance of winning. Justin Hoyte will start at right-back, while I’d expect Robin van Persie to hold off competition from Jeremie Aliadiere, Julio Baptista, and Emmanuel Adebayor to start.
I really hate Blackburn, so I’d love to win.
