Is it Really Wenger?

They say a picture says a thousand words. Well, the picture of Arsene Wenger above may not have been from today, but it tells one thousand thoughts, all bad, that he was feeling after his team's demolition at the hands of Manchester United. But, who is to blame for this embarrassment? I submit that it is not all Arsene Wenger's fault for what happened today. The lack of true Premiership talent on the field holds little weight and suspensions and injuries happen, so what went wrong? 

Two words, a name really-Stan Kroenke. Ask yourself, "Does Wenger, really not know how to buy players?"

Answer, NO-think of the players he has mentored and made into superstars. read any interview after a player as left Arsenal under Wenger see what these players have said. Almost 100%, nothing is ever 100%, of those players say how much Wenger meant to them and how he helped them grow. How many of them state he is like a father figure to them. Wenger cannot be blamed for Cesc Fabregas wanting to go home or for Samir Nasri's greed. 

A quick little history lesson. Who took over Man. Utd. in 2005? The Glazer family. How was that received? Yes, well if you've forgotten; like Hell is how it was received. Who won the Premiership that  season? Not ManUre. Chelski won it for a second year in a row, under who? Yes the "Special One". My point here is that the Glazer family, like most American business men, have no idea what a British Football is club is like or how to own one. Now, the Glazer's have basically shut up and given Sir Alex free reign and look they are themselves again. Chelski have started spending Roman Abramovich's money again and they are themselves again. 

Arsenal are now under the rule of an American sports owner that is clueless about the game. And, if you didn't know, he owns the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Mammoth-Pro Lacrosse, and the St. Louis Rams-only fully since 2010. Wow-that is a potent  list of team champions. One title for the Avalanche-10 years ago and are terrifically bad now, one for the Rams-Kroenke was a minority owner and it was a while ago, the Rams have been horrible for just as long as they were good and one title for the Rapids-last season. Did I forget someone-oh yes the Denver Nuggets-his favorite team. Zero Titles, maybe an above average team at the moment but one that has been a laughing stock of the NBA on several occasions that often sell their best players to "balance the books", in other words, make Stan more money at the fans expense. Also, not surprisingly coached by a man that has been called a genius, like Wenger. George Karl is the Nuggets Head Coach. He has also been labeled a coach that can spot talent and get the most from his players as well as make them into stars. Added to all this, if you were to ask an American Owner, including Stan Kroenke, of any sports franchise what the greatest championship is, the National Football League trophy is the number 1. Ask Abramovich or the current Manchester City owner, answers would be the Premiership and the Champions League. Look at George Gillett's attempt to own Liverpool, disaster or the Lerner's owning AstonVilla-down turn to say the least, best players sold. American owners looking for dollars, not trophies. Time will tell if new American owners at Liverpool turn that tide, at first look, it's possible. 

Arsene Wenger may be the face that all the public is laughing at right now, but give it time and the truth will come forward and "Silent" Stan will emerge as the culprit to this dismal season. Wenger knows what do and who to buy, Stan won't let him. Or at least not up to now. Today Arsene Wenger sent a salvo over Stan Kroeke's desk, "Open the checkbook or suffer the consequences". Tell me why else Wenger starts a complete novice in Francis Coquelin over players with actual Premiership experience or a U20 Captain for his country Ignasi Miguel (Spain). There are three days left to prove Stan can own a team in England the right way, the only way nowadays-spend. I still believe Wenger can coach, you don't do what he has done and not know what you are doing. Even Sir Alex, to his credit, was very gracious in the post game press conference toward Arsene Wenger. The Arsenal boss has not forgot how to coach, he just hasn't figured out a way to get his owner to understand how to run a real sports team, not a toy team like the ones he owns in America. Peace. 

Arsenal Academy

The plan has been revealed. Arsene Wenger is a genius. He has signed another youngster, Joel Campbell of Costa Rica, to add to his stable of well, stable boys. Jack Wilshere, Ryo Miyaichi, Emmanuel Frimpong, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wojciech Szczesny and the list goes on. Wenger's plan is simple-he's planned for retirement-Sir Alex's retirement! He plans to stay one year longer than Ferguson with his forever young team and wait it out. No need to sign players of proven quality because that only leads to immediate disappointment. With this plan of stock piling youngsters we play for tomorrow over and over and over and over. Only one problem, well two. Number 1-Tomorrow never comes-Sir Alex isn't ever retiring. He's the Joe Paterno of the EPL and Number 2-the players get so tired of losing year after year by the time they are at the age of 24 they ask to go where they can win and put in for transfer.

So, we Gunners fans now will watch a second crop of youngsters begin the feudal attempt to dislodge the teams with men playing to achieve something. Sit back and wait for the endless press conferences of, "This team shows spirit", "We are building and will improve", "You can see the ability of these players" "These players will win a trophy, soon" etc. etc etc.
Truly, these players and the Cesc generation are and were exceptional talents. Problem was/is that without true grit of seasoned veterans with experience of the grind of competition, this group will fail as did Cesc's group. At least, let's hope this group isn't made of glass like the last group-oops Jack's already out for the opener versus Newcastle United ahead of the 2011-2012 season. Never mind. Peace.

10 Months of Anguish and years to come

As summer rolls along into the depths of August, the weekly pain of English Premier League Football is about to begin. Pain, yes, pain and anguish as I must follow Arsenal. While all the band wagon and front running fans of Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City await and glorious campaign, all us Gunners supporters wait for emptiness. Oh, there will be flashes of brilliance and Arsene Wenger touting his youngster's talents and stating it's just a matter of time; reality is Arsenal will fall farther behind the big spending clubs of England. I'll give Chelsea a pass this year, as they surprisingly haven't splashed out the cash as in years past. At least not in summer and not on players.

Chelsea have bought themselves a manager. Although, that may not seem much to some, time will tell if lightning can strike twice by bringing in another Portuguese coach as they once did with "The Special One". Chelsea did buy David Luiz and  Fernando Torres last term with Lukaku this summer but will they have enough for a real run versus the Manchester clubs? Simply no, lightning doesn't strike twice at Stamford Bridge and a third place finish with a Carling Cup and FA Cup  Finalist appearances will be all the Blues can muster this season. As for both Manchesters, one-City have bought even more players but won't be able to pass United for a league title. Man. Utd. are just too good. Sir Alex Ferguson bought what he needed, sold what he needed and groomed who he needed for this season, again. So, all you happy little Red Devil fans that say you were fans from before there was a Premiership can start celebrating now-if you can name me the starting 11 from 1983-1992 (the ten years prior to the Premiership without using Wiki) Where where you prior? When was the previous league title? (Again, no using Wiki) Granted Manchester United is a massive club and I'm sure a few of you know these things. However, I also know that they've won 12 of the 19 Premiership titles and people love to choose winners as their own. Chelsea gained a few band wagoners this past decade has they became relevant the way the "Noisy Neighbors" in Manchester are doing now. Manchester City Football Club, yes, truly the new "Yankees" of player acquisition. It's just not enough until Sir Alex is gone. City will come in second, beat Chelsea for the FA Cup and roll into the Champions league for seasons to come or until the owner is tired of Mancini or vice-versa. Manchester's other rival, some would say only true rival-Liverpool is stronger and will break back into the Top Four. The Reds will give Chelsea a second runners-up medal at Wembley for the FA Cup as well. A great season and rise to a good run of years for Kenny Dalglish as manager.

Back to me and the torturous weekends ahead. It's all my own fault. If I had only chosen a different path earlier in my life I wouldn't have met the coach (28 years ago) that started my disappointing road of Arsenal supporting. It all came down to stories of a fabled place called Highbury, of players named Graham, Sunderland, Stapleton, Jennings, Brady and Rice that hooked me. An unbelievable virtual last kick of the ball in 1989 at Liverpool's Anfield to take a title on that last day of the season and the final piece-a trip to Highbury itself, a seat in the North Bank and a wonderful win over Leeds United have led to my downfall. Of course, Arsenal has had some great times-The Invincibles come to mind but it's a dead time for the club now. Players continue to want out and new players are not coming in at any rate that competes with either Manchester club. Six years isn't the longest spell without a trophy but it's been the most frustrating. Nothing could have been worse the last year's Carling Cup Final. As Cesc gets hurt just before the final, of course and then Nasri decides to not show up that day and then now says he wants to "win trophies" so let me go and that error for a goal. Nightmare doesn't do it justice. Well, no worries this go around as Arsenal will be ousted from all competitions before you can blink. It will begin this Saturday at the place the demise began last year, Newcastle. An opening day loss, leads to a Champions League exit to  Udinese that leads to two more losses to Manchester United and Liverpool and when the FA Cup comes around, it'll take a round or two but we'll exit there as well because it will be Spring and we always die in Spring. Why? We don't buy anyone that helps us last the 10 months of grueling competition. So, in the end a 6th place finish, no Europe, more players exiting and a period at mid table years to come until we find a replacement of Wenger's quality. Don't misread that, Wenger is brilliant or at least was brilliant. The move to the Emirates has backfired and Wenger has lost his way. It was a great run but it's over and will be for a long while. So, let the pain begin. Peace.

EPL Champions: Manchester United, 2nd-Man. City, 3rd Liverpool, 4th Chelsea
5th Place and Europa League spot: Spurs
FA Cup: Liverpool
Carling Cup: Manchester City
(But don't be surprised if Man. Utd wins everything this year for a quintuple)
Europa League: Roma
Champions League: Manchester United over Barcelona in the re-match
Relegated from EPL: Swansea, Norwich, Wigan

80

I haven't written in a LONG while, not sure why. Lots has happened in my life, just not sure where the time has went. It's mid-summer 2011 and my last trip took me to Pittsburgh, PA and Cleveland, OH. Why? Well, U2 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, of course. Why else do I travel? Yes, soccer at times but U2 have been a major contributor to my adventures.

Well, this last adventure took me to my 80th U2 show since June 1983. Yes, I'm old. So, the numbers-7 US states, 3 foreign countries and countless hours of driving and air travel not to mention hours in lines for the last three tours waiting to get in the best possible position of the General Admission set-up that has defined these last three tours (Elevation, Vertigo and 360). I'm often asked what was my favorite show or tour or song. Difficult to pinpoint but of all the tours since 1983, Zoo TV still stands out as a major break through in concerts. Anyone who has been to any show of any artist since will have felt the effects of Zoo TV without possibly knowing. I cannot go to any show and not see how Zoo TV is not in there somewhere.

        (Bono and Edge/Pittsburgh 2011)

Saying that, however, I also know that there was a show in San Jose, CA (April 20, 2001-Elevation Tour) that stands alone at the top of performances by U2. The band were beyond description and when my closest friend and I walked out we were speechless. U2 were beyond flawless that night, beyond what bands are supposed to be able to reproduce live, but they did. Emotion aside, if you could find a recording of the show, which I have of course, Bono's own words tell that it was their best.

This last show in Pittsburgh was amazing. The band was loose and having fun, they played a tremendously well received setlist and I was swept away all over again in the emotion of it all. I do not have a favorite U2 song, that is recorded but live-Where the Streets Have No Name is unmatched. It is not just the best live U2 song, it's the best live song ever played and if they are truly on (rarity if they are not) it becomes more than euphoria that I feel at it's playing. I was recently asked by someone very close to me why I go to all these shows. Streets is the reason why I go. The song itself has been used by the band as an opening, closing, in the middle of sets and opening/closing of encores-never as a final song is the only place it has not been used. It always works. Always.

So, another tour is over and the wait begins again for the next album and the rush of adrenaline when it's announced. The buying and first playing of the album, the tour announcement and then the plans to travel begin are all in the distance now. I'll wait patiently. I'll listen to recordings of shows seen, just to reminisce and forget for a while to listen to U2. Listen to other bands I'm fond of and go to other shows. But, when time comes and the echoes of Where the Streets of No Name are heard, I will go. Peace.

My Son Made me Cry

Moments you feel the truest love come at times you never expect. My son asked me to print out some homework. It turned out to be a poem that dealt with his name as the focus. I include it here now.

Gabriel, my name
It is a name of the bible; it holds a place in heaven next to God.
My name is like a wildfire, it can burn on forever unrestrained.
But can be stopped with counter-elements

My name is stealthy, like a tiger stalking its prey.
Gabriel is a baseball game, so tense you could cut it with a knife.
It’s a pitcher focused on the batter and striking him out.
My name is moment of extreme happiness when you win,
And it is the heartbreak of defeat.
My name is a battle cry of a Zulu warrior as he rages into combat.
Gabriel is a story that runs like a river.
My name is a child learning to achieve his goals.
Gabriel, my name

Passion and PJ Harvey

What is your passion? Is it sports, art, literature, music or food? I'll list a couple of those as passions of mine, namely soccer and music being the leaders of my secular interests. My closest friend is a huge PJ Harvey fan and called me last week to remind me that her new album is about to be released. I gave it a listen as NPR streamed it in its entirety as a preview. Passion is a word used often in describing PJ's work. Her passion is more than evident with her music; "Let England Shake" due for release this week is brilliant. As PJ struggles with conflicts of patriotism and nationalism, I'm drawn to that moment; that moment when your passion fills you up, takes you on a journey and changes you from that moment on forever. Have you lived that moment? PJ Harvey most certainly has but doesn't just let us know; she invites us into that journey. The journey she faces in this album is a stark look at war and it's consequences. Those consequences apply to both the victors and the vanquished. "Let England Shake" is like a piece of art to take in all at once, not in any sort of pieces or parts but to look upon in whole to ponder about over time. The album is a challenge in both subject matter and style. However, to be surprised by PJ Harvey is nothing new. She has stated that she never strives to replicate work she has done before. Well, goal reached here and reached in a marvelous, stunning fashion. Peace. 

2010 A Look Back and Forward

The year started off January 1 like many others, watching the Rose Bowl with close friends and eating really, really good chili. This coming January 1 will start the same but with the twist that I really care about who wins this Rose Bowl-GO FROGS!!!! January 1, 2011 is officially wear PURPLE DAY in the Shubert household. My twelve year old adopted TCU about 5-6 years ago in respect to former SD Charger LaDainian Tomlinson and we've followed the Frogs ever since. We've been to a couple of games with TCU, most notable the 2008 Poinsettia Bowl victory over Boise State.

January is also a fun month to start the year as my beautiful wife's (Sue) birthday comes early in the month. It's always been fortunate for me in that if I miss on Christmas gifts to her, that I can redeem myself relatively quickly with a fantastic birthday gift. 

So, the rest of 2010 was interesting. I played some indoor soccer with a group of players that I coached in their high school days. It was a amazing they asked me back to play-I hope it wasn't too embarrassing once I got on the field. I scored a couple of times, so maybe it was O.K. 

We had some sad moments in 2010. It started great with a new dog early in the year but sadly she was a bit too high strung and she bit my mother, of all people and we had to let her go. It was a very difficult decision and time in our home. We did recover with a lot of prayer and hugs. Now, we've added a wonderful dog to our family, Samba-part Labrador and part Catahoula Leopard Dog. Named by my wife for his soccer dribbling skills. 

The high school soccer season ended back in late February with another post-season for the Wolves of West Hills High School. It was not a great run this time however as we were beaten badly by Pt. Loma HS. Still, the players were outstanding to coach and were honorable in defeat. I learned a great deal and now with my team this season that started in November 2010, I've already applied many of those lessons. I've been so fortunate to have had the pleasure to coach such a quality group of players over the years. Twenty-five seasons of high school soccer, what a blessing to me. I can only give Thanks to the Lord for the opportunity He's given me over that time. I pray I've used it well. 

The kids did well in their activities. The boys were great in Little League and our oldest-Gabriel will be going into his last year of Little League this year. Wow, that went fast.  I was able to be the manager for our 8 yr. old-Dylan. An experience to say the least. We did have a great playoff run and came really close to making the championship game but just fell short. Our daughter, Isabella, continues with gymnastics and soccer, as Dylan really took off in soccer this year. Club soccer for him next!!! Hurray-I've got one in soccer. I'll be going back to club soccer coaching as well-that will be a new challenge that I look forward to facing. 

We took some short trips this year. The family went to visit Sue's sister and husband in Seattle in June. Wonderful city and time spent with family. Super fun day at the Seattle Aquarium and Pike Place Market. We took trips to Disneyland and the San Diego Zoo, several times. And, Sue and I went to fabulous wedding on 10/10/10 of very dear friends Andy and Minette in Moab, Utah. Moab is incredible with Arches National Park. We had a very fun stop over in Las Vegas as to boot!! 

We had excellent visits from Sue's Aunt Jeanne from New York and my Uncle Gabriel from Costa Rica. Laughs and memories from both of those weeks. 

I think of all my friends both near and far that I've shared life with throughout the years and say to you I treasure each friendship more than you know. I'll try to show you all more with each day that passes. From my co-workers that do amazing things with children showing such patience and grace to coaching friends that keep me competitive and striving for excellence to long time friends that share my emotions that go all over the place (as they know) to every person I call friend and have contact with-may the Blessings of life fall upon you from the grace of God's love. 

So, 2010 had some outstanding highlights and some dark moments. Overall though, as I write, I look around the house and listen to the sounds of Wii Rock Band, electronic Uno being played; I see Sue preparing for Christmas; I feel the Blessings bestowed that I do not say Thanks nearly enough, so I say Thanks now. For all the struggles of work, finances and everyday stress, I say THANKS now and forever for they make me look for strength that I do not have on my own. God Bless to all and here's to 2010 and to a new and better 2011. Peace. 

SAMBA SOCCER

Here's our aptly named dog Samba showing off his skills.