The Soul of the Game

Whatever that might mean, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger thinks England is in danger of losing it. To the Frenchman, fan behaviour is the bellwether for the condition, and therefore the soul, of the game.

Sez the Professor:

“English football is losing his soul. Fans are the keeper of our football. But the first signs of danger are there to see. Stadiums are starting to empty, TV channels and radio stations are overcrowded with football. There is a kind of overdose looming.

Suddenly the English model has gone from owner-supporters to owner-businessman. The danger wasn’t there yesterday but it’s there today. Of course you can have business integrated into the sport while still respecting the values of football. However perhaps it is time for people to worry.”

So, not only have we learned that English football is a “he”, but also that Wenger thinks that a media oversaturation of football is actually starting to keep fans away from the stadia. Sort of a “nobody goes there anymore it’s too crowded” situation.

Of course, this may really be (1) a slight dig at Chelsea, which had 37 people show up for their Champions League draw with Rosenborg, and (2) a subtle warning shot to our man Alisher Usmanov and plutocratic oligarchs of his ilk.

Although the Russian billionaire is now holding up to 23% of Arsenal shares, the Arsenal board have not been shy about voicing their distaste for a possible takeover bid.

So what do you think? Is there too much football coverage these days? Can there ever be such a thing?

Going to the Arsenal game? Find out how to get to North London and where to stay near Emirates Stadium.
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Category: Wenger World

Tags: Alisher Usmanov, Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Chelsea, Wenger World

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