Arsenal: Ex-Gunner Robert Pirès speaks about Wenger’s team then and now

An exclusive interview held with one of Arsenal’s best players of past time conducted by Sohail Shamsudeen, about Arsenal’s troublesome start to the English Premier League and what can be done to get order where there’s disorder.

What to make of a team once unbeatable but now, gutless and struggling the most of any top six clubs, in the English Premier League? When asked what’s missing, is Wenger to blame, and what’s the difference between then and now. Robert Pirès gave his thoughts on a man under fire and a team all out of sort.

When asked about the Gunners’ performances while all players are on international break, Sohail asked Robert, what was the difference between the Arsenal who were unbeaten for 49 games and the Arsenal team struggling now?

"“Firstly … you know, I don’t like to compare teams, players, or managers”, said Robert.“Because the invincible team for example, it was a special team.“It was maybe one of the best teams in the Premier League for a long time.“If you want to compare my team and now, maybe now Arsenal, they need more spirit, or more players to fight on the field, like a warrior, like Vieira, like Adams, like your Martin Keown.“So maybe this the difference, but if you watch Arsenal now, they are very good quality, they are very good players, some players can reach a high, high level.“So I think this team, they need to find the good spirit.”"

After discussing what the London outfit needed to do and change on the pitch, the Frenchman was questioned about the manager and if he deserved the negative criticism his afforded himself since the start of the new campaign.

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Pirès replied with kind words in support of his previous manager, Arsene Wenger:

"“Well it’s a hard question you know. I think Wenger; he’s the man for Arsenal.“Of course I understand some fans, because some fans they want to say, thank you very much for everything Arsene Wenger.“But you know, it’s impossible to forget everything, of course, actually it’s difficult for Arsenal.“But it’s very important to stay focused on the objective and play together.“So that’s why Wenger, he believes always on this squad and on these players, he keep the same philosophy”."

In conclusion, Robert believes the change needed is the attitude of the players and for the fans to stop the negative criticism towards the team. He emphasised on getting behind the team and the manager.

"“So even for the fans it’s very important to push, to push the team, to reach … I don’t know, the final in the Europa League.“Why not”, asked the once potent winger?“I think everything is possible now!”"

What to take from the Frenchman’s words?

Arsenal have time to put things right. They also have the camp capable of doing the business on the pitch. It’s simply a mental adjustment that’s needed and not any players or positional changes.

The message is clear from the Arsenal great, get behind the team and allow the team to get back that fighting spirit of the good old days!

Credit to Sohail Shamsudeen for leading the interview and allowing TheTopFlight.com to use it as an exclusive.