Bolton Wanderers’ manager Owen Coyle has labelled suggestions that Arsene Wenger should be sacked as Arsenal manager as ‘ridiculous’ as the two men prepare to showdown on Saturday at the Emirates. The Trotters boss also hinted that his French counterpart has not given up hope of signing centre-back Gary Cahill in January, after the Gunners had an initial bid dismissed in the summer.
Speaking to assembled media in his weekly press conference, Coyle was quizzed on the pressure which has mounted on Wenger in recent weeks.
“It is absolutely ridiculous,” stated the Scot. “Arsène Wenger is one of the best managers in world football, and always will be. But we have to accept football is a game of opinions and criticism comes along the way.
“I feel he is the perfect fit for Arsenal, though, given their history and tradition and the way they have evolved over the years. Yes, they would like a trophy, but look at the players he has brought to the club.
“Maybe if he had the same resources as other managers of the biggest clubs, you would see an Arsenal side with different personnel.”
Dismissing suggestions that now was a good time to be playing at the Emirates given Arsenal’s poor start to the season, Coyle made clear that there would be no room for error.
“Regardless of what people have been saying about Arsenal, we recognise how tough of a game this is. They are a club with outstanding players, ones packed with pace and power, and are led by one of the best managers in world football.
“I love the way Arsenal play and if I wasn’t in football and someone asked me who I’d pay to watch it would be Arsenal because of their style of play and how dynamic and pleasing they are on the eye. What we have to do is make sure that isn’t the case on Saturday.
Wenger and Coyle have retained a close working relationship over the course of the last four years despite post-match disagreements and the recent disagreement regarding an alleged low bid for Cahill. Eager to play down any suggestion the pair are not speaking, Coyle continued:
“I am a huge admirer of Arsène Wenger. I have come up against him many times and there will be no tension.”
Reflecting on the Frenchman trying to lure England international Cahill to the Emirates in January, Coyle hinted that with the player having less than twelve months on his contract at the Reebok, there was a possibility he could lose his prized asset in the New Year if a suitable bid was forthcoming.
“I wouldn’t be surprised, Arsene has always said he’s a big admirer of Gary Cahill and ultimately the clubs never reached a fee, certainly the two chairman never got to a fee they felt was agreeable.
“Gary has got nothing to prove, Gary is an outstanding player and an outstanding young man, but I do think come January they’ll be more than Arsenal going for Gary in January.
“That’s a problem for January, at the moment he has to focus on doing his job for Bolton Wanderers which has elevated him to the England team. He has to make sure that he remains focused and he will because he’s very conscientious and a lovely young man.”
In Arsenal team news, Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun has confirmed that he will miss Saturday’s match after picking up a side strain in Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Shrewsbury Town.
Writing on Twitter, the 31-year-old revealed: “Very disappointed as I have a strain and will be out for a week or so.”
Seriously, Arsenal Football Club should be going for International defenders much superior than the overrated pile of crock that is Gary Cahill.
I’d be interested to hear what makes you think he’s overrated.
Owen Coyle, talks a good game and says all the right things about The Arsenal. Good man.
Owen Coyle, picks Kevin Davies and presumably doesn’t do much to stop him scything down opponents at the drop of a hat
ah, well. perhaps Owen would pitch up here if the worst happened and Wenger was sacked or quit – we could do a damn sight worse. practical and aesthetic? hmmm
Oh my God, Yossi Benayoun is injured! I’m shocked!
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[…] of our match against Bolton on Saturday, Owen Coyle has provided some backing for Arsene Wenger, and believe that Arsenal would return with a bid for Gary Cahill in January. However, that is such […]
I’m sure we’ll be back in for him now he’s had a few dodgy games, he’ll fit in perfectly. I think he’s decent but overrated by the English press. Mind you I doubt he’d have scored that silly OG that Kosceilny did.
Here’s to hoping Coyle will only sell to Wenger if he has to go on a free.
Excellent I hope we do get him should of payed out for him the first time
I’ve followed Owen Coyle since he was a player and personally I’d be quite happy if one day he took over at the helm. His style of football is aesthetically pleasing and his general attitude to the game is excellent.
As for Cahill, would be grand if we can bring him in this coming January.
It’s always a relief when someone with obvious exepriste answers. Thanks!
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i’d rather bring in Samba based on last saturday’s performance by him. Wonder if Cahill sets out to make a point!
I like Coyle but it would be a gamble appointing him as the boss, these modern players would be thinking what has he won as a player or manager. He might turn out to be George Graham but I think it could be Bruce Rioch all over again.
Coyle sounds like a man who wants the Arsenal job. Brilliant.
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Some newly minted pound sterling notes, a bag of new Premier League balls, some training cones and Djourou for Cahil please! We’ll throw in Squilaci if they want to play hardball!
Capital idea!
The thought of going from Arsene to Coyle fills me with dread. But talk of Coyle taking over as boss are so far off base it hurts to even think of.
Arsene is our man. I simply can’t fathom the dumb-witted folk who think we should sack him – and replace him with Coyle?!? Arsene’s had a tough time, and yes, it’s been almost seven years since we won anything, but given the changes in world football during that time (read: Russian and Arab oil), it is a wonder we are in such a strong position.
Well said. I am so bored of this 7 years without a trophy nonsense. Surely any intelligent fan realises the financial power Arsene has been up against. And to those fans who say we moved stadium so we could compete financially, well no one knew the Abramovich and the Arabs would come and distort the Market.
agreed 169%
Jim Deen, just what other manager could currently be doing a worse job with this team currently than Wenger? I’m an Arsenal supporter not an Arsene supporter and no one is bigger than the club. If we’re still 15th in January I would look for the club to make a change to try and atleast salvage our season otherwise we’ll be marrooned in the bottom half of the table all season. Talk of relegation is utter bollocks.
Poke him up your arse, Coyle you tit! He’s hoping we do because otherwise they lose him for free, serves them right, northern monkeys!
What about taking Coyle as Arsene no 2? I’m sure his wage will be as much as he got with Bolton as a manager. Let Arsene nurture him and let the players know him better and after 4 years, maybe he’ll be ready for Arsenal job. He has good personality though. Not as cunt as the other managers especially Tony Pulis.
I didn’t know that Coyle likes Wenger waoh!