Lukas Podolski’s released his frustration at Wenger over his departure, stating that Wenger showed a lack of respect. While still managing to hold on to his love for the Arsenal fans at the same time, he like Gervinho and many others who left without satisfaction are wanting to have the last say. Fueling the WOB’s to vent their anger through social media.
It wasn’t until he mentioned his lack of playing time that I realised that he, as Wenger is well known for, is stubborn. Fans among many wondered why does Podolski not get a game? Second highest scorer since he joined. Best conversion rate since he joined. We can all talk about how many goals Podolski has scored in the few chances he had to play. But it’s not all just black and white. Here’s what Berti Vogts said when Podolski first joined Arsenal in 2012:
“I am happy that Podolski has left Cologne,”
“He had too many friends in the city. He got praised as a great runner if he ever got back to defend three times in a game.
“He got an easy ride and he believed his own publicity. But now he has a coach at Arsenal in Arsene Wenger who will make him work hard in training as well as matches.
“If Podolski fails to train properly twice or three times he won’t get games. That is the way to develop him into a true professional.”
There’s a strong possibility that things have not changed since then, besides the brilliant left foot, did he have enough to offer to the team besides goals? Was he training enough to even earn a start? Yes he is a World Cup Winner but only featured in two group games and none in the knockout stages. In his comments he failed to self assess himself and instead put the blame on his manager.
Then there is the manager, Wenger. Refusing to change his philosophy is becoming a problem. We have seen slight changes in his transfer policies with Ozil & Alexis joining the club for substantial fees. But many top players who became available have gone begging. Ray Parlour recently claimed that the training regimes are still the same from when he was there. He left Arsenal more than 10 years ago.
Teams like Chelsea and City have came, saw and overtaken. Same positions need improving every year and a lack of a Plan B is a long-standing problem. Set Pieces both offensively and defensively are issues yet to be sorted.
So despite a relationship breakdown between the two, they’re not too different after all.