Matthew Bazell
Ever debated with a religious fundamentalist? Ever done so and afterwards thought - what a waste of time that was. The faith of a religious person can be so devout, that even if you were to provide conclusive proof that God does not exist, their faith would remain strong. The typical scientist is an atheist or an agnostic and does not believe in God. If you were to provide a scientist with strong evidence that there is a God, then they would happily change their viewpoint. Many of us think that Arsene Wenger is spent force in top class European football. However, if he were to make the club genuine contenders once again, then we would change our opinion. We therefore expect the same open-minded attitude from those who still say that Wenger is the Messiah and Saviour.
The AKB belief in Wenger is almost cult like and on the verge of a religion. It’s very difficult to provide them with evidence that Wenger’s recent teams have been a letdown, because they believe that 4th place is success. When we try and tell them it isn’t, we’re treated like blasphemers.
Imagine if Arsene Wenger were to build another great team that wins a title? A trophy that is actually made of metal. If that were to happen, then we non-believers would run down the street singing hallelujah whilst enjoying a taste of humble pie.
The point is that Wenger detractors would love to stand corrected if future evidence is provided of genuine success. We will be prepared to change our opinion if proven wrong. The problem with expecting the same attitude from the typical AKB, is that there doesn’t seem to be a cut off point to concede that Wenger is failing to maximise the club’s potential. Around 2006/07, many of us were concerned about the drop in standard and questioned the manager’s direction. The common response we got was being told to be patient: “Wenger’s rebuilding - give it a couple of years”. We were very patient. But in 2013 many of us are staggered, and our intelligence insulted, that the very same excuses have been given.
A fundamentalist will never concede that anything is wrong with their religion. Some AKB’s are just as stubborn. To give just one of countless examples, I’m sure you all remember Wenger’s strop at the press conference before the home tie with Bayern Munich. On Radio Five Live the next day, an AKB spokesman said that this was most likely a deliberate ploy by Wenger to deflect the pressure away from the team and on to him. Really! That is the excuse of a fundamentalist who ignores reality. Loyalty and faith is to be admired, but not blind faith.
Therefore we are curious to know what the cut off time is for the AKB’s belief system. How many years of Arsenal being journeymen will it take for them to change their opinion and how much evidence is needed? The expectation should be for Wenger to build a title challenging team in the next year. The Premier League is weak and Arsenal have the funds, so no more excuses.
Here is what will probably happen: Wenger will go another one or two seasons without winning anything. Then we will win a League Cup or an FA Cup and the Messiah will be given another decade to do whatever he wants (just so long as the club make profit). Unless there is a major change in Wenger’s direction, waiting for him to provide a title contending team might be as long and drawn out as evolution.
Matthew Bazell is the author of Theatre of Silence: The Lost Soul of Football.
