Arsene Wenger needs to reinvent himself at Arsenal, says Alan Smith
Arsenal’s hopes of attracting top players and winning the Premier League rest on Arsene Wenger changing his ways, says Alan Smith.
The Gunners confirmed the 67-year-old’s new two-year deal on Wednesday, with majority owner Stan Kroenke describing Wenger as the „best person“ for the job.
Wenger insists the club „can move up to the next level, by having faith in the way we want to play football and by supporting the players we have already“, adding that they would still „try to strengthen our squad“.
Smith, Arsenal striker between 1987-1995, is desperate for his old club to reignite their powers but is concerned about the future if the philosophies and tactics stay the same.
He told Sky Sports News HQ: „There will be a lack of optimism about the place from a lot fans who don’t believe he can take the team on. A lack of optimism at the start of a season is the last thing you want, so I hope I’m wrong.
„I just hope Arsene can reinvent himself in terms of getting better performances out of his team in the big games, being more organised without the ball and not being so open. I hope he can do that or otherwise it will be the ‘same old, same old’.
„I hope the board insisted on that before allowing him to sign a new contract and insisted on him changing his methods.
„I think Arsene has wielded a strong hand in the negotiations and said he didn’t want anything to affect his ability in running the team. The club needs a shake-up in the backroom because there’s too much on his shoulders in terms of decision making.
„I think he enjoys having a handle over most aspects of the club. It’s such a huge organisation and I think it’s too much. I think that’s what the board are doing by relieving him of his responsibility.“
Despite a strong run in the closing stages of the Premier League and winning the FA Cup, a fifth-place finish denied them the opportunity to play in the Champions League for the first time in Wenger’s 21-year reign.
Smith believes Arsenal shouldn’t be „too fussed“ about keeping Mesut Ozil but should make every effort to retain the services of Alexis Sanchez, although he has concerns the Chilean may want to play in Europe’s elite competition.
„Arsenal have to do something like Chelsea last season when they convinced top players to come even when they weren’t playing in the Champions League,“ Smith added.
„They definitely have the money to spend and they can pay the wages. Being a London club would be an attraction to a foreign player. But what is their pulling power?
„They will have to convince players it’s a one-off and they can push on and be genuine Premier League challengers. Every other club will strengthen so they will have their work cut out.“
Asked if the Gunners should be grooming Wenger’s successor over the next two years, Smith said: „He’s a fit man, he could carry on.
„However, if you get poor performances next season and the protests start again then it will be very difficult to go beyond a year.
„If he wins a title he may want to go on again or go out at the top. It’s a skill, knowing when to duck out. Some would say Arsene hasn’t acquired that skill – we’ll see next season!“
