Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter to react after Jermaine Jenas questioned the lack of ex-players currently working at the club.
What’s the story?
Well, Jenas was speaking about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s impact at Manchester United, and the appointment of Darren Fletcher as Technical Director.
Jenas was keen to know why Arsenal haven’t introduced the likes of Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole behind the scenes at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking at a Football Writers’ Association event, the ex-Spurs man said: “Why have you not harnessed what you had with Vieira, and Campbell, and Cole and Henry. How did the club not harness that and keep it?”
Now, we’re not quite sure why Jenas believes Arsenal should copy what Manchester United are doing.
The Red Devils have looked good so far this season, but they’ve hardly been role models since Sir Alex Ferguson left Old Trafford.
Does Jermaine Jenas follow Arsenal?
Is Jenas not aware that Mikel Arteta, Edu and Per Mertesacker all currently work at the Emirates Stadium?
It’s worth noting that Freddie Ljungberg and Steve Bould were also employed by the club before their recent exits.
Of course, they’re different ex-players to the ones Jenas mentions, but Arsenal have absolutely considered the potential benefits of hiring former players, and it simply hasn’t worked out.
Look at Liverpool and Manchester City. How many high profile ex-players are currently part of their respective success? Very few, if not none at all.
Yes, it’s important to retain the values of the club through ex-players, although it’s a difficult story entirely when they become employees in vital areas.
Let’s see what the Arsenal fans on Twitter have been saying about the remark from Jenas…
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
