Arsenal fans have got to be the most fickle in the country. When their team wins their fans act like they are the best team in the country, invincible. And when they lose it’s a tragedy and the world will never be the same again. Very rarely do I meet an Arsenal fan who is balanced and considered, at least when it comes to football anyway.
I’m a big believer that life is all about balance. Balance in the physical activities we choose to spend put time on, balance in our consumption and also balance in our emotions and decision making. There’s a lot to be said for a well balanced individual who is in control of their emotions, processes their thoughts before acting and is therefore able to act in a considered way.
Maybe it’s the years of underachieving that has caused this epidemic. Maybe it’s the expectation of the return of successes of the past. Whatever the cause may be, I’d like to make a plea to Arsenal fans: please be more like your manager.
Arsene Wenger does not get the credit he deserves. He’s is currently the longest serving current manager in the English game. During his time he’s won the Premier League and FA Cup multiple times and kept Arsenal in the top 4, qualifying for the Champions League every season. Arsene Wenger is a considered and balanced man. Ironically, opposite to the majority of the fans that support the club he manages. I think some Arsenal fans could take a leaf out of Arsene’s book. Here are a few reasons why I think Arsenal fans could do with being more like their manager:
- He’s consistent in his approach and temperament – over the years Arsene’s personality hasn’t changed much. He’s been consistent with his approach to the media and to his players. Even though the football world has changed immensely in the last decade, Arsene has maintained a strong sense of self and identity and not let the changes in football culture change him.
- He has kept the faith and believed in his philosophy – Arsene has been criticised time and time again for his football philosophy. However, he has kept faith in it, even through tough times, and it has done him well over the years. The lack of spending power due to the move to the Emirates Stadium could have meant Arsenal were out of the top 4 for a few seasons. This could have been to be expected under a different manager. However, despite the restrictions on spending, Arsenal have been in the champions league for every season that Arsene has been the manager. A remarkable achievement. Especially when you consider the recent demise of teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool. I’m not saying that Arsene hasn’t made some mistakes by not signing players in key positions or letting some of their most talented players leave or not holding on to older figures who could help behind the scenes. But for a good number of years Arsenal fans have been oblivious to the fact that the grass is not greener on the other side and there’s a big chance that if they had joined the other clubs on the managerial merry go round they may not be in the position they are currently in. Arsene’s philosophy looks like it is starting to pay off as Arsenal have kept a strong squad together and are currently top of the Premier League title and still in the champions league and FA Cup.
- He doesn’t get too upset when they lose and or overly excited when they win – As I mentioned, after a football match, Arsenal fans are either at one of the two extremes, very happy or very sad. In complete contrast, Arsene seems to almost always be the same, not too excited when they win and similarly not too distraught when they lose. Arsenal fans could benefit from controlling their emotions a bit more and not over reacting to every defeat.
I know some Arsenal fans will be upset by this post but I feel it’s an issue that needs to be addressed. I’ve had the same feedback from supporters of many different clubs and I hope some of the Arsenal fans will stop and think after reading this.
If it’s any consolation, I actually hope you win the league this year.
Peace & Blessings
Elliott