Wenger forced to plan for worst scenario

14 April 2012

A gloomy Austrian evening drew to an end just as the sun was rising in Japan

But if Patrick Vieira yearned to be with them, then he is as much as master of disguising his feelings as he is at dominating the midfield. He sat watching an Arsenal side full of youthful promise and peppered with the odd experienced
professional stroll to a 2-0 win over Sturm Graz thanks to a penalty from Jose
Reyes and a close-range predator’s goal from Francis Jeffers.

He could, of course, be preparing to be feted in Japan by tens of thousands of admirers but if the contrast was on his mind, he did not show it. He peered through the window from the dressing room, laughing and joking with his French
team-mate Robert Pires. Behind him were the remainder of the contingent who took part in Euro 2004 and who have been excused duty until this weekend’s tournament in Amsterdam.

Whether Vieira will be with them is still open to doubt. Late yesterday afternoon, Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein flew into Graz and was immediately in deep conversation with manager Arsene Wenger. The details of their conversation remained private but it is fair to assume they were not discussing the uncommonly chilly weather.

Back at the team base in a nearby health spa, they will have sat and talked deep into the night with Vieira. They want to know what is happening and they want to know as quickly as possible because Wenger would have to move — and
fast — to plug the considerable gap which would be left by Vieira should he opt to move to Spain. And given Wenger’s fanatical devotion to detail, he will already be considering who will be Vieira’s successor as captain.

Over the years Arsenal have been blessed with natural leaders, some of whom have not necessarily needed the armband to make their presence felt.

They have been fortunate with their captains. Before Vieira there was Tony Adams. Before him there was David O’Leary and before him Pat Rice. And he succeeded Frank McLintock. Vieira has proved to be worthy to be included in such company. On the field, his presence is enormous as one of the best central midfield players of his generation.

Off the field, he has taken to organising squad-bonding lunches for the players, especially during a sticky patch. Excuses for absence are not accepted. Attendance is as close to 100 per cent as the usual injury problems will allow.

If he goes — and that looks to be an even money shot at the moment — Wenger will need a similar character to fill the void. His first priority will be to sign the player to supplement the midfield. He will already be without the
much improved Edu, who will be absent for three weeks after his exertions
for Brazil in the Copa America.

Steven Gerrard of Liverpool would be ideal but he is beyond the reach of even Roman Abramovich’s millions, as was proved earlier this summer.

Maniche of Porto was impressive during his club’s Champions League triumph and excelled during the European Championships. He is a more likely target as Wenger looks to bring in experience rather than to experiment.

But then there is the captain. Vieira — like Adams, Rice and McLintock before him — is one of the rare breed. A man of such presence that his views will still be noted even when he is playing badly. Billy Bonds had just such a
quality as did Steve Perryman, Bryan Robson, Billy Bremner and, more recently, Roy Keane.

Among the present Highbury ranks there are two candidates. Leading the field will be Sol Campbell. He had the job at Tottenham and since his arrival at Highbury, has evolved as a person. Although still not the man whose voice will rise above the others in a dressing room debate, Campbell has become a more commanding figure.

He talks more during games and gesticulates more than he ever did at White Hart Lane. He would be the leading candidate if Vieira left.

But there could be a surprise up Wenger’s sleeve. The Frenchman, who is proud of the fact that he has never broken a contract in his career, loves loyalty.

There might well be a place for Ashley Cole in his thoughts. Cole has matured beyond recognition in the last two years and was outstanding in Portugal for England. He is Arsenal reared, loves the club and couldn’t even tell you how long he has on his contract. The No3 shirt means more to him than anything.
Such an honour may come a season too soon — but with Wenger fearing the worst, he might take a gamble.

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