Wenger: If it ain't broke don't fix it
by Tom Kell, 12 March 2008
Arsene Wenger has signalled his intention to stick with his cautious guard of Arsenal’s purse-strings over the summer, insisting he will only splash the cash if he is ‘completely convinced’ that it will prove beneficial to the club.
While Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United continue to make the most of affluent foreign owners, albeit to differing extents, Wenger persists with his preference to unearth young, continental jewels and polish them until they are ready for The Premier League.
The Frenchman’s approach has often raised eyebrows but the mantra that echoes around Emirates Stadium – ‘In Arsene we trust’ – has once again proved justified this season.
Thierry Henry’s departure to Barcelona was greeted with cautious glances but The Gunners’ young guns have once again come to the fore to guide the club to the top of The Premier League and into the last eight of The Champions League, and Wenger is not about to start spending with gay abandon.
“I would have to be completely convinced that it is right and not stupid for the future of the club,” the Frenchman told the club's official website.
“I am in a position where I anticipated the years to come and I prepared for it. I have never been in a position where I needed to take a gamble.
“The real target of a manager is to find the balance with what comes in and what goes out and build a team with these restrictions.
“I believe a football team is not about buying and selling. It is about building, patience, working together and going through a growing process.”
Wenger was also keen to reiterate the unerring faith he has in his current crop of youngsters, hence his contentment to settle with what he has got.
“I will keep faith [with them] because we have worked hard for what we have now,” he added. “It is enjoyable now to see the team coming slowly up and see how well they can do.”