The Job
I walked into the room, strangely still nervous, like when I walked in and talked to him when he arrived at the club. With one decisive movement of the hand, he directed me to the seat and begun, “Hello, Robin.”
“Hello, sir” I replied.
“Now, now, there is no need for formalities like that anymore. You can call me Eduin.” I smiled awkwardly, 33 years old, still like a child. He continued “I’m sure, you’ve read the press, linking you with the post. I’ve talked to the board and they say it’s you who’s stalling over the job. Why?”
“The truth is, well, I’m worried, I won’t be a good manager. I mean, I don’t have half the knowledge you had, half the confidence. And I haven’t had any training at all. I’d be like a blind man, walking into a room of swords.”
He gently tapped his pen against his lip and looked at me, pensively, breathed deeply and for a moment.
“Robin, you are the most intelligent player, I’ve ever come across. Your mind on the field was something to watch, I can tell you! But that is beside the point, the reality is, you have the ability to inspire players, **** you inspired me. That is what you need to be a manager, no more. Did I always know, we would succeed, could I predict it? No. But, I made sure you believed we could succeed, that is the key of managing, and the rest is secondary.”
I nodded, nothing more was needed, left the room, and with that, I was no longer a player, a veteran, retired. Now, I’m a manager.
--- --- ---
A few days later, and I walked out in front of the fans as Arsenal manager, a truly amazing and terrifying experience. The press conference was alright though, and all of the staff, are relatively nice. After a morning of meetings, I was left in my room for tactical musings. Slightly confused I decided to make a team report:
Goalkeepers
1.
Joe Hart (29) -While I was playing with him he won the Goalkeeper of the Year. Absolute legend and great guy will never lose him.
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27.
David Ospina (28)-Free transfer from Monaco, last summer, seemed alright in training, not sure about him though, only no.2 so not overly worried about him. Could be a problem the fact that he expects first team football and I know I can’t give him that too often.
Defenders
2.
Kieran Gibbs (27) - England international, kind and able. Negative, though is the fact that he is no magic maker, good but not great.
3.
Davide Abate (19) - Masses and masses of potential. However, a stumbling block could be his lack of determination, and work effort. Nevertheless, broke into the first team for Eduin, and has been very impressive.
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4.
Simon Kjaer (27) - Got a lot of quality, good in the air and strong. Reads the game well. His battle for first team could be interesting
5.
Danny Wilson (24) - My choice for vice captain, certain first teamer and a brilliant CB. Reads the ball extremely well as he does the man.
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6.
Phil Jones (24) - Arsenal and England Captain, in my opinion he is the best defender in the world. He will be key to everything, I do around here. A true leader from the front (well, truthfully the back.)
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13.
Bakary Sagna (33) -Has been a great servant, for our club, and I’m sure he will continue to be. However, is getting on, will have to find a replacement
16.
Cassiano (20)- Will compete with Simon Kjaer for third centre back role, if I play a 3 back for. Great potential again, shall be a challenge making him realise it.
28.
Jake Bradley (19)- Eduin has great hopes for him as both an England and Arsenal, but he’s yet to win me over. Potential definitely there.
32.
Paul Davis (19)- Extremely fast, could be a great player, however it would mean more first team football than he got under boater as his orthodox position is pure right back
Midfielders
7.
Jack Wilshere (24)- Star player, has been on fire this season, people have even linked him with World Player of the Year award. Another Englishmen key to my fortunes.
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11.
Kwadwo Asamoah (27)- Key player in past seasons, but has been replaced by Miguel Pereira recently within the team, also can be quite arrogant. Not sure if he shall stay much longer.
14.
Rui Teixeira (19)- Unarguably has great potential, but has issues with determination, and is extremely injury prone.
17.
Alex Song (29) - Great servant to the club, but over recent seasons has become more and more a bit part in the club. Considering moving him on as much as it hurts me.
18.
Samir Nasri (29) - An able player who has sadly been overshadowed by Jack Wilshere, in a way great back up, but maybe it is cruel keeping him tied down here
22.
Miguel Pereira (21) - A lot of quality, in past seasons has flourished in all sorts of positions, ranging from striker to a defensive central midfielder, should earn a first team place.
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42.
Will Delfouneso (21)- Homegrown talent, but failed really to make his mark with so many gifted midfielders. Definitely want to move him on
Strikers
8.
Theo Walcott (27) – Great friend of mine, we had a great partnership, but is starting to fade in comparison to the mass of striking talent, in the club. The England talent may remain a back up player
9.
Carlos Vela (27) – Massively important for the player, one of our best players. Amazing movement, technique and speed. Key Player.
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12. Andy Carroll (27) – Doesn’t play many games, but his ability in the air is undoubtedly a great asset to our club
19. Stuart Fowler (21) – A great hope for England and Arsenal, won’t be first team yet but could break into it, with some training and time.
21.
Khouma Babacar (23) – My certainty successor as the lead striker, he is another player indispensable, to our future. He magnificently combines physicality, with technical ability.
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25. Gary Hooper (27)- Will compete with Andy Carroll in order to be the back up for the irreplaceable Khouma Babacar, more technical ability than Carroll but less of a physical presence
77.
Vivinho (21) – 21 and already beating Walcott to a first team place, brilliant ability however finishing not quite up to scratch for a player who could make a great poacher.
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It is a real struggle to look at them as my players, to me they are all still team-mates, and I just don’t have the heart to push them on. I guess that is just the job and I will get use to it, but it will mean some relationships will be teathered.