In what has been a tumultuous number of weeks, in an already difficult few years, a report in today's Guardian would suggest that Arsenal players have decided that they can no longer work under Arsene Wenger.
Writing with incredible detail about an in-house meeting at the club, David Hynter described a scene in which unnamed senior players in the Arsenal set-up aired their concerns and sadness at the club's recent poor performances:
The speech was delivered by one of the senior players in the Arsenal dressing room but he did not finish it.
He was too choked up as he reflected on how such a talented squad had come to resemble a bunch of drifters.
He said his children were asking him why Arsenal were so bad. That was the moment when the tears welled in his eyes.
Detailing the discussion further, Hynter also alludes to the despair with which at least one Arsenal player would appear to believe the situation is hopeless as it stands:
Another Arsenal player stepped in. “We are a big club,” he said, tapping into the rallying cry theme. “But we need more help from the coaches.”
“It’s not going to happen,” one of them said. “We need to find the answers ourselves.”
An incredible scene that demonstrates what many would expect of Arsenal's players at this difficult time, it is nonetheless astounding that at least one figure attending this meeting has chosen to air the details of this meeting to the British press.
Although many believe Arsene Wenger has gone beyond a point where continuing in the role will benefit the club, the French manager does have another year remaining on his contract.
If today's report is accurate however, it would appear that certain players have already broken ranks with the management structure within the club, and, by extension, a certain number of their teammates perhaps.
