Look at what happened with KT as well. By all accounts never a problem in training, or any ethics, but just dropped. I would say that due to his injury issues he could not be relied upon for the entire season, but that does not preclude you from bringing him on late on, when Zinchenko forgets defending. If the marginal improvement Raya brings over Ramsdale is the reason, then Gabriel Jesus and Zinchenko shouldn’t even be allowed in training. Look at the injury issues Jesus had + Zinchenko’s lack of ability.
This whole thing seems very hypocritical and un-Arsenal.
I don’t subscribe to the ‘hypocrisy’ argument since there are different reasons which can be deeply tactical why a coach has strong preferences for some players which we can’t see as fans.
Regarding KT I’d back Arteta - he did not fit the manager’s vision for the role. Zinchenko is a defensive liability but going forward he’s quality, and also he is anyway likely behind Timber in the pecking order.
If anything the cases of KT and Zinchenko show that Mikel is consistent with his mentality of constantly looking to improve the squad at all costs. Also if our interest in Toney and Vlahovic are true, then it’s clear that Mikel also sees issues with Gabby J as our primary #9 and wants to upgrade the position.
Look at what happened with KT as well. By all accounts never a problem in training, or any ethics, but just dropped. I would say that due to his injury issues he could not be relied upon for the entire season, but that does not preclude you from bringing him on late on, when Zinchenko forgets defending. If the marginal improvement Raya brings over Ramsdale is the reason, then Gabriel Jesus and Zinchenko shouldn’t even be allowed in training. Look at the injury issues Jesus had + Zinchenko’s lack of ability.
This whole thing seems very hypocritical and un-Arsenal.
I don’t subscribe to the ‘hypocrisy’ argument since there are different reasons which can be deeply tactical why a coach has strong preferences for some players which we can’t see as fans.
Regarding KT I’d back Arteta - he did not fit the manager’s vision for the role. Zinchenko is a defensive liability but going forward he’s quality, and also he is anyway likely behind Timber in the pecking order.
If anything the cases of KT and Zinchenko show that Mikel is consistent with his mentality of constantly looking to improve the squad at all costs. Also if our interest in Toney and Vlahovic are true, then it’s clear that Mikel also sees issues with Gabby J as our primary #9 and wants to upgrade the position.
Gabby J was probably envisioned as an elite versatile forward option, rather than just a 9