- Jan 20, 2006
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The problem with Plan C is that we tried to duplicate Arsenal's system overnight.
Wenger started off with an extremely strong squad that had slightly under-achieved, including arguably the best back four the EPL has ever seen in front of one of its best-ever keepers. Rioch had already signed Bergkamp, and Wenger proceeded to blend in more foreign talent. Unlike Hoddle's Dad's Army, all of these players had several seasons at the top level left in them, which gave him ample leeway to bring on youngsters, have them understudy established players, and then introduce into the first team squad when they were ready. He hasn't been 100% successful in this, but he's done pretty damned well.
Wenger started off with an extremely strong squad that had slightly under-achieved, including arguably the best back four the EPL has ever seen in front of one of its best-ever keepers. Rioch had already signed Bergkamp, and Wenger proceeded to blend in more foreign talent. Unlike Hoddle's Dad's Army, all of these players had several seasons at the top level left in them, which gave him ample leeway to bring on youngsters, have them understudy established players, and then introduce into the first team squad when they were ready. He hasn't been 100% successful in this, but he's done pretty damned well.