Morning all.
Bits and pieces of Arsenal news floating around this morning.
The headline grabbing news is that Robert Pires has apparently bemoaned over Arsenal not relying “on former players” and has said he volunteered for a job at Arsenal.
“Arsenal not employing ex-player” rears its head every few months.
From Thierry Henry to Patrick Vieria, Tony Adams to Dennis Bergkamp. It is an easy article to write and often ignores the truth.
Almost every senior position at Arsenal is currently taken by an ex-player.
On top of those currently employed, Arsenal have a rich history of ex-players coaching.
There are also lesser known players currently employed by the club. The likes of Adam Birchall and Greg Lincoln.
Maybe instead of complaining about not getting an opportunity at Arsenal, Pires should look within.
Instead of using Arsenal’s facilities as a free gym for the last 5 years, maybe he should have got himself down Hale End, took his coaching badges and started off coaching the youth teams. That is how Freddie Ljungberg did it.
When Mikel Arteta was still an Arsenal player, he was down Hale End running coaching sessions. Gaining experience.
In the recent past, we have had Henry turn down a post at Arsenal. He wanted to be U23 Manager on a part-time basis so that it did not interfere with his lucrative £2million a year Sky contract.
Tony Adams last managerial job was in La Liga, managing Granada back in 2017. He lost 7 out of 7 games, they were relegated and he was sacked.
Whilst Patrick Vieira was recently sacked by Nice.
I would love Henry, Vieira, Bergkamp and Adams to be involved at Arsenal. But they have to show:
1) That they want to commit to Arsenal
2) That they have the ability to coach at the highest level
They should not be given a job just because they are a former player regardless of their credentials or ability.
The other news is William Saliba played again for the U23s last night.
Reports are he had a good game before seeing red as Arsenal lost to Wimbledon.
The Frenchman is still just 19-years-old and has been written off by some fans.
He has had both physical and mental problems since returning from Saint-Étienne and we are right to be taking our time over his development.
Also playing in that game was Gabriel Martinelli.
Like Saliba, he is also just 19. We need to ensure we do not rush him back.
Martinelli is important for our future, and I can easily see a situation where he is our first choice striker next season. But to grow into the position the backroom staff need to ensure he is not rushed back into first team action and picks up another injury.
As it is early December, expect the ITKs to begin waking from their hibernation.
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 
When Arsene Wenger was in charge bringing back former players was lauded now it’s a lazy excuse.
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