MOJOK.CO – Perpisahan antara Arsene Wenger dan Arsenal justru perlu dirayakan, bukan hanya ditangisi. Mengapa? Perpisahan memang identik dengan kesedihan, apalagi ketika dua entitas yang berpisah sudah terpaut sejak lama. Apalagi ketika kedua entitas sudah membentuk satu identitas yang begitu kuat. Namun, perpisahan Arsene Wenger dan Arsenal bukan jenis perpisahan yang layak terus diingat dengan narasi kesedihan. Ada sebuah perayaan yang harus kita siapkan setiap kali mengingat momen ini. Pertanyaannya tentu saja adalah “mengapa”. Berikut beberapa alasan yang menyertai. Soal kesetiaan Arsene Wenger Masa pengabdian Arsene Wenger bersama Arsenal adalah 22 tahun. Waktu yang sangat panjang untuk sepak bola modern saat ini. Sebuah catatan rekor yang mungkin hampir mustahil untuk disamai, apalagi untuk dipecahkan. Mengapa manajer berusia 68 tahun itu bisa bertahan begitu lama dengan klub asal London Utara ini? Wenger adalah generasi pelatih periode lama. Ia menjabat sebagai pelatih Arsenal jauh sebelum uang minyak menginvasi liga-liga di dunia. Di masa itu, alasan sebuah manajemen mempertahankan pelatih bukan hanya soal prestasi dan jumlah tropi yang dikumpulkan. Ketika ada sebuah komitmen yang mengikat klub dan pelatih, relasi keduanya bisa bertahan lama. Sebagai pembanding yang paling ideal, tentu saja kita bisa melihat relasi antara Manchester United dan Sir Alex Ferguson . Manajer asal Skotlandia tersebut juga melewati periode-periode buruk bersama United. Namun, ada komitemen yang kuat di antara keduanya. Komitmen yang cukup kuat untuk membuat manajemen United bersabar tidak memecat Sir Alex. Begitu juga dengan Wenger, di mana dirinya dua kali dibujuk oleh Real Madrid untuk angkat kaki dari Arsenal. Madrid butuh pelatih yang bisa berkomitmen membangun skuat. Sementara itu, Wenger sendiri enggan meninggalkan Arsenal karena proyek besar pembangunan stadion. Selain itu, mantan manajer AS Monaco itu pun berkomitmen baru akan “hengkang” apabila Arsenal sudah berada dalam kondisi ideal, baik dari skuat maupun di balik layar. Kesetiaan itulah yang bakal sulit kita rayakan lagi. Pelatih sepak bola masa kini, terutama mereka yang mengabdi untuk tim papan atas, seperti tengah bekerja dengan pistol yang menempel di kening. Pistol itu bernama tuntutan untuk berhasil. Ya soal trofi, yang soal posisi di klasemen. Ketika tuntutan tidak tercapai, pelatuk pistol itu dengan mudah ditekan. Dor! Pecat! Ketika sebuah klub berkompetisi dengan napas bisnis semata, kebahagiaan menjadi semakin terbatas, hanya soal juara atau tidak. Tidak ada yang salah, namun kesetiaan menjadi asek yang dikorbankan. Manchester City dan Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) boleh saja juara untuk satu atau dua tahun. Namun, ketika ada tanda-tanda kemunduran (buruk di mata modal), nasib pelatih langsung dipertaruhkan. Tengok nasib Unai Emery bersama PSG. Ketika manajemen “membeli pemain” yang tidak dibutuhkan tim, lalu gagal total di Liga Champions, siapa yang disalahkan? Tentu saja manajer. Ketika si pemain yang aslinya tidak dibutuhkan gagal, siapa yang disalahkan? Sekali lagi, manajer. Emery, pelatih yang berhasil mengharumkan nama Sevilla, bukan klub teras La Liga, di ajang kompetisi Eropa itu, akan meninggalkan jabatannya di akhir musim. Lain Emery, lain pula Mauricio Pochettino, pelatih Tottenham Hotspur, yang peluangnya lolos ke Liga Champions tengah terancam. Bukan tidak mungkin, ketika Spurs akhirnya gagal berkompetisi di Liga Champions, proyek yang tengah berjalan akan bubar jalan. Nama Pochettino sudah dikaitkan dengan klub-klub besar. Tuntutan untuk sukses menjadi patokan utama, hingga proses tak lagi punya nilai. Di sinilah Arsene Wenger punya nilai istimewa untuk terus dirayakan. Sungguh sulit menemukan seseorang yang berkomitmen 100 persen untuk klubnya, terutama yang terpuruk untuk waktu yang lama. Wenger mewakafkan waktu dan tenaganya secara total untuk Arsenal. Wenger bahkan mengorbankan rumah tangganya, untuk berkonsentrasi penuh dengan proyek jangka panjang The Gunners. Ia bercerai dengan isterinya. Apakah ada seseorang yang akan total mengabdi untuk komunitas yang turut ia bangun? Wenger menyimpan tangis hanya untuk Arsenal. Penghargaan akan proses Di tengah narasi kesetiaan Arsene Wenger, ada sebuah penghargaan yang tinggi akan sebuah proses. Perlu diakui, Arsenal masuk ke dunia sepak bola industri lewat asuhan tangan dingin Wenger. Ada proses panjang di sana. Mulai dari mengubah kebiasaan pemain, memperkuat jaringan pencarian bakat pesepak bola, hingga yang paling epik, soal membangun stadion kelas satu. Ada pengorbanan di pusat proses itu. Wenger mengorbankan masa-masa emas dalam kariernya untuk berproses bersama pemain-pemain kelas dua. Ia “dipaksa” menjual aset terbaik Arsenal dalam wujud pemain kelas elite, demi kesehatan kas klub. Tanpa mental dan determinasi, Wenger dapat dengan mudah menerima ajakan Madrid membangun skuat dengan dana yang melimpah. Namun ia bersetia dengan proses. Membangun stadion bukan hanya mendirikan bangunan fisik saja. Stadion menjadi pusat kehidupan Arsenal di masa depan. Jadi, proses yang dilakoni Wenger adalah proses membangun masa depan. Buah pengorbanannya (seharusnya) akan dirasakan oleh era baru nanti. Bukankah membangun dan menyiapkan masa depan itu lebih berarti ketimbang gelar juara untuk satu atau dua tahun saja lalu dipecat seperti anjing kudisan yang diusir? Penghargaan akan proses yang membuat sepak bola kembali menjadi “manusia”, bukan mesin uang semata. Hanya persona dengan hati baja yang akan tahan melewati sebuah proses penderitaan untuk kemakmuran generasi selanjutnya. Dua alasan di atas sudah cukup untuk menegaskan bahwa perpisahan Arsene Wenger dan Arsenal harus dirayakan. Dibungkus dengan hati yang penuh, dan dikenang dengan hati yang meluap. Untuk terakhir kalinya, terima kasih Arsene Wenger. Untuk segala yang baik, dan segala yang buruk. Anda menjaga sepak bola tetap manusiawi.
Arsenal invited Henry, Patrick Vieira and all former players who have made 100-plus league appearances to Wenger's final home game in charge. It meant a host of legends were at the Emirates to pay tribute to a legend as Arsenal beat Burnley 5-0 - although Henry was nowhere to be seen. Instead, the Frenchman was on Sky Sports working as a pundit for the Manchester City vs Huddersfield game, a decision which went down badly with Gunners fans. Henry was linked with replacing Wenger as manager and Keys believes he has been snubbed for the job and that's why he wasn't at the match. He tweeted: "I am staggered to see Thierry Henry in Manchester. After everything Wenger did for him - surely the right place to be today was the Emirates?
GETTY Thierry Henry worked for Sky Sports instead of going to Arsene Wenger's farewell
"Class Arsene. Class Arsenal - but what have you done? Be careful what you wish for..... "The game that mattered was at Chelsea - and he should’ve been at Arsenal. No excuses. I’m guessing he’s got the hump because he didn’t get the job." Wenger addressed fans on the pitch after being given a rapturous reception and described the final home game of his 22-year tenure as a "very sad day". He said: "There are many highlights after 22 years. I think I played 840 Premier League games. Do you know how many sleepless nights that means?
Arsenal fans accuse Thierry Henry of snubbing Arsene Wenger send-off Sun, May 6, 2018 Thierry Henry has been accused of snubbing Arsene Wenger's Arsenal send-off to feature on Sky Sports Play slideshow Twitter 1 of 8
It has emerged this afternoon that one of the men the Gunners are interested in - Juventus boss Max Allegri - is keen on taking charge of the Gunners. Juve insiders say it’s “50-50” as to whether Allegri will stay or leave go, according to the Mirror. And, if he does, it appears Arsenal is his favoured destination. Arsenal have put Allegri’s name on their shortlist as they believe he has the credentials to replace the departing Wenger. The club’s management structure is similar to that at Juventus and the Mirror say he has now moved ahead of Luis Enrique in the race to get the job. Former Barcelona boss Enrique has apparently demanded to be paid £15million AFTER tax. He was also on Chelsea’s shortlist but they are now favouring Napoli’s Maurizio Sarri.
GETTY The new and the old of Arsenal? Max Allegri could replace Arsene Wenger
GETTY Arsene Wenger has already said goodbye to the Emirates
The Mirror add that are Arsenal are likely to make a managerial appointment before the World Cup. Wenger yesterday collected Arsenal's golden 'Invincibles' Premier League trophy as his parting gift from the Emirates Stadium before insisting his replacement can challenge for honours next season. The 68-year-old will step down as manager at the end of the season, ending a tenure of almost 22 years. In his final home game, the Frenchman saw his side thrash Burnley 5-0 before special tributes were paid to a man who won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups during his reign. Wenger was presented with a commemorative Premier League trophy, awarded to the club after the unbeaten 'Invincible' title-winning season of 2003-04, by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson as the Frenchman's former assistant Pat Rice and a host of ex-players looked on. The outgoing Arsenal boss took time to send his best wishes to his old Manchester United adversary Sir Alex Ferguson, who is in intensive care after undergoing emergency surgery following a brain haemorrhage, before thanking supporters and saying his goodbyes.
GETTY Max Allegri is on Arsenal's shortlist to replace Arsene Wenger
Wenger's final season did not yield any silverware, and a string of Champions League and Premier League failures in recent years have ultimately split the club's fanbase over his suitability for the role. But, while Wenger would again not be drawn on his replacement, he said the team at his disposal will be good enough to challenge for honours - provided there are some key additions. "I think it is better I don't speak publicly about the next manager because I'm not involved in the story," he said. "I do not want to put any pressure on the club to choose this guy or this guy and give already a handicap to the guy who comes in because he has been chosen or it wasn't my decision - I am nothing to do with that. "I just think he inherits a team that is much better than people think it is. I'm convinced, you can see the togetherness of this team is special and with the right additions this team will challenge next year."
Arsene Wenger waves goodbye to Arsenal fans at the Emirates Sun, May 6, 2018 Arsene Wenger has waved goodbye to Arsenal fans at the Emirates following his final home game in charge Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 9 Arsene Wenger has waved goodbye to the Emirates
Arsene Wenger used his final match at the Emirates Stadium to wish to his old adversary Sir Alex Ferguson a quick recovery following news of his emergency surgery after a brain haemorrhage.
The former Manchester United manager, who won 38 trophies in his 26-and-a-half years at the club, remains in hospital in Salford after it emerged on Saturday evening that he was seriously ill in intensive care.
Wenger, who was presented with a memento to mark his impending departure from the Gunners by the Scot at Old Trafford last weekend, addressed fans on the pitch following his side’s 5-0 Premier League victory over Burnley on Sunday afternoon.
Sir Alex Ferguson - A career in pictures
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1/15 Becoming Manchester United manager Sir Alex was named Manchester United boss in 1986 following his success with Aberdeen Getty Images
2/15 Saved by the cup After a rocky start, Ferguson was famously saved from the sack by winning the FA Cup in 1990 Getty Images
3/15 Cup Winners' Cup The trophies kept coming from then on as he led United to the now defunct Cup Winners' Cup in 1991 Getty Images
4/15 A first Premier League title... Ferguson led United to win the inaugural Premier League in 1993 Man Utd via Getty Images
5/15 ... and a second... United retained the trophy and added the FA Cup and Charity Shield - Ferguson's first domestic double Man Utd via Getty Images
6/15 ... and a third Another domestic double saw Ferguson reclaim the Premier League crown for Manchester United after losing out to Blackburn Rovers the previous season Getty Images
7/15 A first Champions League Ferguson achieved his most memorable feat in 1999 winning the Premier League, the FA Cup and the European Cup
8/15 Coaching the best Cristiano Ronaldo was just one of a number of mega-stars Ferguson coached Man Utd via Getty Images
9/15 Another Champions League Nine years after his first, Ferguson claimed a second European crown, beating Chelsea on penalties in Moscow in 2008 Man Utd via Getty Images
10/15 The Class of '92 Dubbed 'Fergies' Fledglings', Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, David Beckham (all pictured), Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Ryan Giggs came through the academy to form the cornerstone of Ferguson's successful teams Man Utd via Getty Images
11/15 The Sir Alex Ferguson Stand Manchester United renamed the North Stand after their legendary manager to mark his 25th anniversary in charge in 2011 Man Utd via Getty Images
12/15 Immortalised in stone Outside the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand is the Scot's likeness in the form of a statue AFP/Getty Images
13/15 A final Premier League In 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson won his 13th and final Premier League crown, retiring at the end of the season Getty Images
14/15 Freedom of the city Ferguson was handed the freedom of the city of Manchester upon his retirement Man Utd via Getty Images
15/15 The greatest Ferguson goes down as Britain's most decorated manager and considered the greatest who ever lived my many experts in the game Getty Images
He said: “Before I start, I just want to say, at Arsenal we care and I would like to wish my fellow manager Ferguson well and very quickly.”
The Frenchman added: “I was with him on the pitch last week, I went to see him in the box after the game on Sunday. One week later, he looked in perfect shape.
“He told me he’s doing a lot of exercise, he looked very happy, but that kind of accident can happen.
Wenger sent his best wishes to former rival Ferguson after he suffered a brain haemorrhage (Getty)
“We wish him very well and that he recovers very, very quickly. He’s a strong man and an optimistic man. I got calls last night from Manchester and nobody knew exactly what it is.”
Merci Arsene: Wenger's last home game with Arsenal
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There was no further update on Ferguson’s condition over the weekend, although United thanked the football community for its expressions of concern via its official Twitter account.
The post said: “Manchester United would like to thank the wider football world for the messages of support following the news that Sir Alex Ferguson underwent emergency surgery on Saturday evening.”
Manchester United would like to thank the wider football world for the messages of support following the news that Sir Alex Ferguson underwent emergency surgery on Saturday evening. — Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 6, 2018
Manchester City coach Brian Kidd, who served as Ferguson’s number two at United between 1991 and 1998, said his former boss was in this thoughts and prayers.
Kidd said: “He’s such an iconic person. There was a really sombre mood yesterday evening and this morning.
“You really think Sir Alex is indestructible. We’ve all been brought up with him. What he did for Manchester United, it’s unreal. And the pressure that he was under every day to produce, it’s phenomenal.
Messages of support from the football community have been sent to Sir Alex Ferguson (Getty)
“Obviously all of us at Manchester City, he’s in our prayers and thoughts, with Cathy and the kids. We wish him a speedy, healthy recovery, I hope it’s really quick as well. We send all our love to him. I think that’s everybody.
“I can’t thank him enough, the opportunity he gave me, I’m forever indebted to him. We wish him all the love in the world, a healthy speedy recovery and God bless to him.”
City boss Pep Guardiola was also among the Premier League managers to put football rivalries to one side and offer his best wishes to Ferguson.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola at a 2011 coaching conference (Getty)
He told Sky Sports ahead of the champions’ 0-0 draw with Huddersfield: “Brian Kidd, who is here now, was with (Sir Alex) for a lot of time, so a big hug and our thoughts are with his wife Cathy and the Manchester United family.
“I was glad to have dinner with him two weeks ago, and hopefully he can recover as quickly as possible.”
Scotland manager Alex McLeish, who played under Ferguson at Aberdeen, said through the Scottish Football Association: “He means the world to me and so many of his other former players, colleagues and opponents.”
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp admitted his shock at the news.
He said after his side’s 1-0 defeat at Chelsea: “I met Sir Alex after the first game against Roma (in the Champions League semi-finals). He passed my way. I had a few words with him.
“When I heard it yesterday on the way to London, I really couldn’t believe it. It can happen to all of us.
“He is absolutely – he was last night and will be – in my prayers 100 per cent. I wish him and his family all the best.
“He will be in a good shape again. I’m 100 per cent sure. I’m looking forward to seeing him again.”
PA
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