Wenger and Keane

WENGER STICKS TO HIS GUN (NER)S
If we are to believe today’s media reports Arsene Wenger looks set to once again stubbornly refuse to open the Arsenal chequebook this summer and keep faith with the majority of his current squad for next year’s campaign. If this week has taught the Frenchman anything it should be that his squad is paper-thin in terms of quality when is comes to the latter stages of the Champions League.

It is all very well integrating the likes of the talented Vela and Merida into his squad for next year’s campaign(s) but neither will possess enough Champions League experience to make a significant contribution for the Gunners.

If Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea lifts the coveted trophy in Moscow next month the pressure will continue to increase on Wenger and his squad to deliver in Europe next time out. Otherwise the current Gunner’s squad will always be remembered as the English side that played the most attractive football of their generation but failed to deliver the trophies that their rivals managed.


KEANE TO IMPROVE
Roy Keane is in bullish mood and why wouldn’t he be. His Sunderland side has successfully steered clear of the Premier League drop zone and are only a few points away from deservedly securing their top-flight status for next season. Keane has been quick to tell anyone that will listen about his ambitious plans for next term and the money he will need to spend (€50 million) during the summer to achieve that goal.

The silence from Niall Quinn and the Sunderland board has been deafening.

Quinn has not been forthcoming in recent weeks with any sort of response to his manager’s overtures except for the usual bland sound-bites. The summer months could prove to be interesting times at the Stadium of Light as the clash of Keane’s demands and the reality of the potential Sunderland board’s investment collide.

For all his tremendous achievements since taking over the Black Cats, Keane would do well to remember that the only thing in the life of a football manager is the sack.