Becoming a football god from Arsenal

Chapter 266: Wenger's concerns! Arsenal's crisis! I need your strength! That would be a disaster!
"Beep--!"

After this goal, the whistle for the first half was blown soon to end, and Arsenal entered the halftime break with a 3-goal advantage.

The atmosphere was still tense and did not ease due to the suspension of the game. Players from both sides quickly ran into the player tunnel to listen to the coach's instructions. No one was chatting frivolously and no one stayed on the field.

Everyone knows that in this kind of competition, if you relax for a moment, your opponent is likely to kill you, no matter how big your advantage is!
In the end, Benítez did not replace Oscar. Judging from his solemn expression when he left the field, he probably felt that the team had been forced into a desperate situation and that substitutions to strengthen control were not advisable.

Only intensify the attack!

If you want to strengthen the offense, you cannot withdraw the four-man team in the frontcourt. Even if the four-man team has become alienated, they cannot be replaced.

It can be said that the task left to Benítez is arduous. He not only has to think about how to strengthen the offense to equalize the score, but also how to make the centrifugal four-man group work together again.

"Pap tap tap."

Maher walked slowly into the player tunnel, without a smile on his face, but with a hint of pride and satisfaction.

However, he did not put all his thoughts on feeling elated, but thought of another thing: the complexity displayed by Wenger in the pre-match press conference and during the game. What was the reason?
As someone who spends time with Wenger every day, it is easy for him to notice his abnormalities.

There was definitely something wrong with Wenger today.

"Ask." Maher decided to ask proactively, and he quickened his pace towards the locker room.

Although he is only the captain of Arsenal, he should not overstep his boundaries and ask about something that may be outside the players and the team, or a matter concerning the club's management.

However, as one of the representatives of the club, he felt that if Mr. Wenger was willing to talk, it would be better for him to know more, so as to avoid making mistakes in public and avoid putting more burdens on Wenger alone.

Before this, the club would discuss many matters, big and small, with him, or inform him quickly after any major decisions were made.

This is both a respect for him and a sense of reliance. He cannot just enjoy the glory of being the captain and the complacency of being an important figure in the club. He should also take the initiative to take two steps forward when the team may need him.

After walking two more steps, Maher saw Mr. Wenger walking out from the side corridor, looking back at him with a chuckle.

That didn't seem like a coincidence, it seemed more like the other party had been waiting here for a long time, waiting for him to come.

As if they had telepathic connection, the two of them stopped at the same place.

"You always put on an exaggerated performance. Let's talk after the game." Wenger forced out more smiles and naturally placed his hand on Maher's shoulder.

"How about now?"

Maher glanced at the locker room and said, "If you want to talk a lot, please do it after the game. Mr. Wenger must have instructions for the team in the midfield."

"There are not many instructions. Each of you has done a good job." Wenger also subconsciously glanced at the locker room. A hint of hesitation appeared on his face, as if he was thinking about the length of the conversation.

"Well, now." Soon, he nodded towards a sparsely populated area, motioning for Maher to follow him. "I really have to say this, and I think you really need to know this."

Maher's curiosity was aroused and a serious look appeared on his face. He followed Wenger and soon came to a corner.

"Before the game, Kroenke had a long talk with Premier League CEO Scudmore."

Wenger turned to face Maher, glanced around to see if there was anyone around, then sighed slightly and said, "After he came back, he smashed a lot of things in a rage and told me what happened."

His eyes narrowed. "The Premier League hopes that we can focus more on European competitions and win glory for the English Premier League in European competitions."

"What do you mean?"

Maher didn't think there was anything wrong with this, but judging by Wenger's expression, it shouldn't be that simple. "We have to focus on the European competition this season. I am also confident that I can win glory for the league I play for. Why do you want to specifically mention this?"

Wenger bit his lower lip and looked away, as if he couldn't bear to tell Maher the news. "Scudmore didn't say it directly, but Kroenke is a smart kid and he understood what the other party meant.

"The league doesn't want us to win all the time, they don't want us to be undefeated all the time, they think that would be detrimental to the competitiveness of the Premier League, the ratings and broadcasting fees of the Premier League.

"If we monopolize this league and the Premier League title is a foregone conclusion, the league's explosive growth in broadcasting fees will suffer a fatal blow, and the entire English professional football system will also be affected."

Maher's heart skipped a beat, and his eyes suddenly became complicated. "Telling us this, what do they want us to do?"

His heart was already filled with turbulent waves. Although Mr. Wenger's three sentences were euphemistic, they expressed a lot of meaning. To him, this news was like a bolt from the blue.

"Their position is that the English professional football system is driven by broadcasting fees, which has led to the improvement of the level of mid- and lower-level teams, and the high viewing value brought about by the strong competitiveness after the level improvement."

Wenger did not rush to answer, but said: “But our position is to build a red and white battleship dynasty, which is 50 games unbeaten or more.

"It's a clash of two things that are right, but unfortunately, it has happened."

After going around in circles, he sighed again, "Scudmore talked a lot with Kroenke and said a lot of good things, but the essence of his words was only one -

"If Arsenal can keep winning, he expressed his blessing and respect, but hoped that the team, as a veteran English giant, could be considered by the Premier League and win 49-1 games after exceeding the 2-game unbeaten streak, so that the final championship remains suspenseful."

Maher's face turned gray. He stared at Wenger in surprise. He didn't expect that Scudmore could actually say that.

I didn't expect that a team that keeps moving forward would encounter such resistance.

It seems that there is no unstoppable prosperity in this world. It’s just that in different positions, each individual or group faces different difficulties.

Wenger lowered his head and continued: "He advised Kroenke to focus not only on short-term interests, but also on long-term interests. If the Premier League continues to appreciate in the future, Arsenal may be able to earn a lot of broadcast dividends and advertising money even if they are in the top four.

“This is a case of everyone prospers together and everyone suffers together.

"But Kroenke disagreed. His goal with his father was to build a team like Real Madrid in English football, or even to be better than the other team through accumulation.

"He told Scudmore that La Liga has not lost its market share because Real Madrid is too strong, and Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga is still providing blood transfusions for the league.

"Can"

Wenger paused here, then looked up with fatigue in his eyes, "Actually, Scudmore is right. When Bayern dominated the Bundesliga in the early 2000s, few people watched the Bundesliga. It has only been better in recent years.

"If Bayern or Dortmund, who are now very strong, monopolize the league again, the league will be in trouble again.

"Although Real Madrid, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in La Liga have attracted a huge fan base from all over the world, the price of their copyrights has not kept pace with economic development, and the growth rate of the broadcasting rights of the Premier League is several times lower.

"Let's not talk about Serie A, which has never recovered since the Calciopoli scandal."

As if he had been standing there for too long, he took two steps and said, "Scudmore is an excellent person. After he took office, he implemented many positive reforms and even took care of small details such as broadcast camera technology.

"After the Financial Fair Play policy comes out next year, the Premier League will become a nearly perfect football league, with the potential to surpass any other league.

"But when this sophisticated machine has begun to move forward at high speed, our team, which has also made a lot of efforts and even stood at the top position, and brought a lot of attention to the league in the short term, is standing on the opposite side of them.

"So I would say, unfortunately, unfortunately."

Maher was deeply shocked. "So what does the team want to do now? What does Mr. Wenger mean?"

Wenger looked tired. "The Kroenke family and our management have made it very clear that we stick to Arsenal's position and will not pay attention to the Premier League's position. "Because we love this club, we are investing and devoting our efforts to this club. As for the entire league, although it is a big family, it has nothing to do with us."

He paced back and forth again, "I have loved football since I was a child. In my 30s, I chose to become a professional football coach. After wasting several years, I came to the position of Arsenal and experienced the most glorious days of my life.

"Who knew that after the glory there would be an irreversible trough, fate defeated me, and I experienced the worst and most uncomfortable period of my life in the gap.

"When I thought it would continue like this, I met you. You changed everything. You can even say it's my destiny. I had this feeling since the day I met you."

Wenger's eyes welled up with tears when he said this. "We have worked hard together for the past two years and have used up all our luck and energy to get to this position. How can we bear to give up? How is it possible?!"

"But?" Maher knew that Wenger hadn't said something yet, otherwise he would never have been so excited.

Even at halftime of this top battle, it seemed a little inappropriate to talk so much with the old coach, but when he saw Wenger pouring out his heart so unusually and expressing his emotions so frankly, he wanted to hear it all.

"But Scudmore not only bribed, but also threatened."

Wenger clenched his fists in his suit sleeves. "Kroenke heard something, that is, if Arsenal is unwilling to change their focus and take the initiative to slow down their momentum in the Premier League, then they may take action."

Maher's heart skipped a beat. He stared at Wenger's face, eager to know what action the Premier League would take.

"In today's information age, everything spreads quickly, and fans are watching closely. The authorities will not use overly dirty means, which can be seen from the fact that Scudmore dare not say it openly."

Wenger thought for a while and listed a few points, "But if the Premier League wants to trip us up, there are ways to do it.

"One is the schedule. The schedule will be fine-tuned every season. They will take this opportunity to give us some intensive schedules, and it is very likely that we will play against strong teams and away games in a row.

"The second is the Financial Fair Play Act, which will be issued next year and may have some requirements on club debts, and it is very likely that Arsenal will be targeted at paying off their debts."

Maher was furious and anxious when he heard this, and couldn't help but say: "Many Premier League teams are in debt. If I remember correctly, Abramovich's transfusion to Chelsea was mostly in the name of loans."

"That's different, Abramovich is the boss, he owns the club, the Premier League might play word games on these points."

Wenger shook his head and continued: "The third is the possibility of a black whistle. No one can tell for sure. Misjudgments are common, as are man-made misjudgments. This is the easiest way to affect the game.

“Stan Kroenke was concerned about it and was even considering compromising because by compromising, we might just throw away the chance to be great and still have a championship.

"But if we don't compromise, we might lose the championship, not only will we lose everything, but we'll also end up with a bad reputation."

After listening to this, Maher's chest kept rising and falling. In fact, when he was listening to Wenger just now, he already had his own opinion on this matter.

After hearing this, his opinion became even firmer, "There must be no compromise. I have never heard of an official asking a club that is moving at high speed to slow down.

"I admit that Scudmore is an excellent businessman, but his success with the Premier League cannot be built on compromise and concessions from others. Football should be fair, and so should the market. He should find a better way.

"It is absurd to erase the efforts of hundreds of people in the Arsenal club and dozens of players and coaches in this way!"

He looked into Wenger's eyes and said, "Let me tell you my opinion. In fact, the way to slow down Arsenal is very simple, which prompted Mr. Wenger and I to leave this club and this league.

"Why don't they consider that? Why are they considering sacrificing Arsenal?
"I think it's very simple. They don't want to give up Mr. Wenger and me, as well as the vitality and attention that Arsenal has brought to the league, but they also want to continue to maintain the competitiveness of the league and maintain its market potential!"

The more he spoke, the more aggrieved he became. "How can such a good thing happen in the world? If Scudmore wants to have the best of both worlds, then he should find another way!"

This person had previously posted several long articles on social media praising him, which caused a response in the industry, and he also had a good impression of him.

However, he did not expect that the other party would do such a thing behind his back. Maher's impression of Scudmore suddenly took a sharp turn for the worse.

People can only consider things from their own perspective, from the perspective of their own team, and then from the perspective of the larger collective.

Maher doesn't think he is a disloyal person, but he is not a saint either. He is not really willing to give in on such a matter. This naked threat is infuriating.

"Is that your opinion?"

Wenger raised his head, his expression gradually eased, and the light in his eyes seemed to be rekindled. "Now that I have said so much, let me be honest, Maher, the reason I told you this is that I need your help.

"You can't stop anything, but you can give me strength, and if we two stand together, then the whole Arsenal team stands together.

"This way, I have the confidence to cope with any difficulties."

"I have confidence too." Maher held Wenger's arm with one hand and said firmly: "My idea is very clear, we must not compromise, we must fight to the end on the court!

“Won’t there be some resistance?
“It doesn’t matter if the schedule is tight, I will improve my physical fitness; it doesn’t matter if I’m targeted by the Financial Fair Play Act, as long as the results are good and I can keep the current players!

"It doesn't matter even if it's a black whistle. He can call the whistle for ambiguous goals, but can he call the whistle for long-range goals and other clean goals? He can't. No referee would lie with his eyes open, even if he was paid.

"In short, we will not only fight to the end with other Premier League teams, but also with the Premier League.

"As long as you have the power to surpass everything, even the sky can be turned upside down!"

"Okay!" Wenger stretched out his right hand towards Maher, the worry on his face disappeared, "I feel much more relieved after hearing your words, then... it's a big deal!"

"Ah."

Maher also smiled again, "If one day, all the stars in the world know that the undisputed best player in history is now playing in the Premier League, I believe they will be attracted to come here.

"By then, the Premier League will not only not be under pressure from other leagues, but will become even stronger and become a unique league.

“It’s like the NBA is to basketball, and the NFL is to football.

"I am looking forward to seeing what Scudamore's expression will be. Will he show up at Colney Training Base with a look of remorse, apologize to the club and express his gratitude?"

Wenger chuckled. "I know you are talking about yourself. I believe it. So will you take revenge then? For example, transfer to other leagues or something, take the stars away and make Scudmore cry."

"I will consider."

"Hahahaha!" The two laughed together. They believed that from this moment on, the partnership and friendship between them, as well as the glorious future of Arsenal club, would be more solid.

"Beep!" Soon after, a long whistle sounded and the second half of the game was about to begin.

Maher walked towards the field with a fierce look on his face. This was confirmed, but his anger would not subside in a short time.

Starting from this game, he will show the Premier League and Scudmore an attitude, an attitude of being prepared and crushing everything with goals!

"Come onArsenal!! Come onArsenal!"

Stepping onto Stamford Bridge, surrounded by the cheers of the fans, Maher looked around and had a new feeling. This is a new road, from every angle.

ps: This is the last volume, and this contradiction is also the main contradiction of the last volume, otherwise the plot will be very dry, and this contradiction must be written well, so I spent more space to explain it.

Don't worry, it won't be poisonous. The last volume will also be pushed quickly. The match against Chelsea is an exception. I will write more tomorrow to finish this match. The rest will be a new rhythm.

(End of this chapter)