Robert Pires has acknowledged the importance of the Champions League, but says that the main objective of Arsene Wenger and the players is to win the club’s first Premier League title since 2004.
The dreamy Frenchman spoke to the Guardian about his current role with the club and provided some insight into the thinking of the Arsenal manager. Pires trains regularly with the team, and knows what they’re all about.
The Gunners have been disappointing in Europe this season, but that would certainly be offset if they could win the league.
“Of course, the Champions League is very important,” he said, “but I prefer to see Arsenal win the Premier League this season and I know this is the objective for Arsène Wenger and all the players.
“It is also important for the fans. So yes, this team can win the Premier League.”
Pires obviously provides a connection between that last title winning side and the current crop, and as he’s at the training ground every day, he could be a source of experience and advice.
Speaking about his involvement, he said, “Arsene said to me ‘If you want to come, you can’ and so every morning I am training with the first team.
“For me, it’s very interesting. I hope it’s also interesting for the players. I talk a long time to them. I don’t know if I give them some tips and advice but I have a good experience for the guys to learn from.”
And on the eve of a North London derby, the man who scored more often against Sp*rs than most others, said he took pleasure from that record.
“I scored eight goals in 12 games against Spurs. I’m proud of this achievement because I know this rivalry is very important for the Arsenal fans – when you score eight times against Spurs you are an idol for them.
“And I know the Spurs fans hate me … I know this and it is a good sensation.”
If you hear a thud, that’s Arseblog News swooning then fainting.
Read the full piece in the Guardian today, it’s great.
We can’t and won’t win the EPL. The pathetic Bayern capitulation proved that,
That’s the spirit.
It must be miserable being you.
So were we set to win the league, 2 and a bit weeks ago when we beat them?
Mate we all suffer in some way or another. Try taking things lightly, it might help.
In 1971 we won the double having lost to Stoke 5-0 away.
In 1990-91 we got stuffed 2-6 at home to Man U in the league cup and went on to win the league – with only 1 defeat.
In 1997-98 we lost at home 1-3 to Blackburn and went on to win the double.
You Sir have no faith and are talking out of your Arse.
I say we CAN and WILL win the league!
But it’s all opinions 😉
We almost certainly won’t win it because we don’t have the depth of goal scorers.
Only Alexis and Giroud and perhaps Walcott if he can stay fit, will get double figures for us. Whilst Man City will have Aguero, Toure, DeBruyne, Sterling, and perhaps Silva and Bony all with 10 or more and that at the end of the season will be the difference.
Every objective person knows we have a great chance.
The main reason this time is different is that this team does not look like it will implode like other seasons.
If we are there or thereabouts by January, then we can coast to the title, I believe.
I think the main difference is our mental strength. Before we use to always mention looking for a win to get our confidence which implied we were still keep a little fragile in out self belief. I remember watching I documentary on the ‘Invincibles’ and one legend mentioned they never thought about losing. That legend is now at the training ground with the Academy… King Henry! With him and Pires, there’s no way you can’t acquire more vigour. It touched a nerve when OG scored a goal against Bayern and waved to the fans and has done it most time… Read more »
Injuries are our biggest enemies!
O for a few signings like him !!
I honestly believe this squad can do it this time and i am not just saying it because i am an arsenal fan…it’s the way they play for each other and the confidence and “swagger” in their play…..plus i think there is just the right mix of experience and youth in the squad, esp as some of the “young” players are actually not that young in terms of first team playing experience….there is of course the wealth of attacking talent, which means on their day, they can take any team apart. Injuries of course is a major worry, but in… Read more »
It’s just us and Citeh and who knows what will happen. Anything less than second is a failure. I have a feeling we will do it because what is a mancity?
Just pray to all your gods, rub all your sacred idols, cross all your body parts in hope that we don’t keep getting more and more injuries.
“And I know the Spurs fans hate me … I know this and it is a good sensation.”
Hold me.
And it’s so true. Spurs fans fucking detested him. And he loved it. It aroused him. This might sound perverse to an outsider but this is exactly how it should be. They are the enemy. He understands. We understand.
I just pray this should be our season….. Who wont take pleasure in scoring against sp*rs though
And the fans as well.
This year is ours.
10 players out, joint top in the PL. If moureen had the same injury count, we wouldn’t hear the end of it.
Having legends like Pires around is a good thing, no doubt about it, even if it’s not in an official role.
I should probably point out that I am aware of his role as an ambassador for the club, but I was referring to official roles on the training ground.
I would love to talk football and philosophy with Bobby over a nice bottle of French rouge. What a dude.
“And I know the Spurs fans hate me … I know this and it is a good sensation.”
LEGEND!!!
Is Pires on the payroll or is he working as an unpaid intern at Arsenal?
Why is Pires always around wenger when he’s not a coach or assistant manager. I am yet to see Steve Bull in this kind of situations
Steve Who?
Speaking of bull …
LOL.
Steve Bull was a great Wolves goalscorer.
City have a superior squad. If we are to win the league we’re going to have to be alot better at keeping our players fit and healthy. We’re not doing great in that department atm.
Super Bobby Pires.
Legend.
Robert pirès, fucking legend innit.