Arsene Wenger Is Arsenals Bill Shankly (Must Read) The legendary Bill Shankly was Liverpool manager from 1959-74. When he arrived at Liverpool, they were languishing in the second division and going nowhere fast. Their fans were particularly upset as they had been five-time champions before 1950, yet had fallen spectacularly. After Shankly was appointed they slowly began to improve and won the league in 1964—Shankly’s first trophy. In 1965, Shankly guided Liverpool to their first F.A. Cup when they beat Leeds United 2-1 in the 1965 final. However, they were unable to replicate their domestic form on the continent, and were dumped out of the European Cup(todays UCL) 7-3 on aggregate by Ajax. Shankly then decided that what worked in England did not necessarily work in Europe and endeavored to turn Liverpool into a European-style side, as opposed to an English one. This transformation took time and a seven year trophy-less run ensued between 1966-73. However, Liverpool fans remained calm despite Matt Busbys Manchester United team consistently out- performing them, as they knew that Shankly was no dummy. Their faith was repaid when Shankly took the club to its seventh title in 1973, as well as the UEFA Cup the same year but Shankly was unable to win the UCL. In his final match at Liverpool they won the F.A. Cup for the second time in 1974. Replacing Shankly would obviously be a big task after all that he did in his 15 years, but the job was eventually handed on to assistant manager Bob Paisley. He had played out his whole senior career at the club and become part of Shankly’s backroom staff as soon as Shankly was appointed manager. Paisley was a perfect match in maintaining Shankly’s legacy as well as being a devoted supporter of the club. Bob Paisley was extremely successful at Liverpool. Throughout his career, he won 3 European Cups, 6 Charity Sheilds, 3 League Cups, 1 UEFA Cup and 1 UEFA Supercup... Liverpool supporters would always tell you that Shankly built the club up to achieve anything and Paisley made the team win the vital trophies which gained the respect they’d maintain throughout the ages. These two men were the blood running through the veins of the club and without them, the team might not be what it is today. Liverpool (1976-1985) in 9 years, won 4 UCLs & became 1 time runnersup. They conquered everythng in thier path... Many comparisons can be made between Shanklys reign at Liverpool and Arsene Wengers at Arsenal. To start with, the teams were a shadow of their former selves, with Liverpool in the second division and Arsenal struggling to break out of mid-table mediocrity after winning the league in 1991. Like Shankly, Wenger provided the team with immediate improvement, finishing 5th straight away and third in his first full season. He has also won his fair share of titles and F.A. Cups, although, interestingly neither had tangible success in the European Cup/Champions League. Perhaps most interesting, however, is the fact that both were unable to take their domestically successful sides far in Europe initially, and both saw it fit to risk barren transitional spells in exchange for potential European success. Wenger knew that Arsenal needed a new Bigger stadium if the gunners wanted to become an European Powerhouse in the future... On paper, most fans would say that Paisley is clearly the better manager of the two. However, most Liverpool fans (particularly the ones who are aware of the history of the club, rather than just the current team) hold Shankly in higher regard than his successor. This is because they realised that Shankly took the club further than Paisley ever could, and was the one who set the foundations for Liverpool as a world-revered footballing giant—a legacy that still exists almost 40 years after his departure. Were it not for Paisley, Liverpool may not have won as many trophies or have been the most successful British team in European competition, but they still would be amongst Englands elite, constantly in and around the top. Were it not for Shankly, however, Liverpool may never have even reached the top league of English football and who knows what division theyd be in now. Paisley may have beaten Shankly in terms of quantity, but Shankly absolutely massacred him in terms of the quality of the job he did... Most managers today such as Jose Mourinho, Louis Van Gaal and Carlo Ancelotti almost universally follow the Paisley model of management, opting to arrive at a team which is close to domination, but hasnt quite reached it, taking the club that extra 10% and leaving at the top of their game, instead of building the team from scratch. What Shankly did is altogether more remarkable, and managers who can accomplish such feats are far harder to come by. Wenger is one of the few modern day Shanklys: a man who doesnt take the easy option and leave after moderate success, but instead tries to do it all over again, using a knowledge of the game that most can only dream of possessing to unearth talent, take the club from mediocrity to worldwide fame, effectively keep the club as running as a self- sufficient business, and most importantly keep the club challenging for honors, even during transitional periods. Yes, George Graham did an excellent job too, he never brought much to the club beyond the pitch (which is by no means a bad thing), whereas Wenger, like Shankly, made his club what it is today with regards to public image and stadium. Arsenal and Everton were similar in status in English football with 10 League titles in 1991, with both clubs having a similar type stadiums. Arsenal were 17th richest club back then and Everton 19th in Europe. Now Arsenal is 5th richest club in Europe and Everton 17th. Thats the difference that Wenger has made. A strong foundation... Arsene Wenger Is Arsenals Bill Shankly When Everyone Expects Him To Be Bob Paisley... Remember the History & Legacy, and Be proud Gooners!!!!
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 08:12:48 +0000
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