Just days after Thierry Henry stated that fans were justified in booing Arsène Wenger and criticized the current Arsenal squad for hitting rock bottom, another club legend has stepped forward with harsh words for the former manager. Patrick Vieira, the iconic former captain, didn’t hold back in a recent interview, publicly accusing Wenger of pushing out retired Arsenal stars who wanted to stay and contribute to the club.

Vieira claimed that many former players, who could have become part of the coaching staff, were denied the opportunity by Wenger. “These players had the passion and the experience to support the club in new ways, but Wenger shut the door on them,” Vieira said bluntly.

He also criticized the current Arsenal team for playing “soft” football, lacking grit and fighting spirit. “There’s no resilience,” Vieira added, clearly frustrated with what he sees as a drastic shift in Arsenal’s footballing identity.

Henry, who recently resigned from his role as Arsenal’s U18 assistant coach, did so after being told by Wenger that he had to choose between coaching and his job as a television pundit. After serious consideration, Henry walked away from the club to focus on his media career. Shortly afterward, another Arsenal icon, Tony Adams, was rumored to step in. But within a month, Adams took a job in the Chinese Super League instead. These developments reflect a trend—Arsenal legends seem unwilling to serve under Wenger.

Today, the only former players on Arsenal’s coaching staff are Freddie Ljungberg and Steve Bould. Notably, Mikel Arteta chose to begin his post-playing career at Manchester City instead of returning to Arsenal. Vieira sees a clear pattern. “It’s heartbreaking and disappointing to see so many ex-Arsenal players leave after retirement. This club meant everything to us,” he lamented.

Vieira strongly believes that players like Henry, Ljungberg, Sol Campbell, and Martin Keown could have inspired the younger generation. “Having your childhood heroes coach you is a dream come true. These former stars could have played valuable roles—not just on the sidelines but across the club. Unfortunately, they were never given the chance. It’s baffling.”

He urged Arsenal to take a page out of Ajax’s playbook. “Look at Ajax. They embrace their legends. Retired players continue to serve as coaches, directors, or ambassadors. Ajax’s doors are always open to their icons, but Arsenal seems to have shut theirs,” Vieira stated.

As of now, Arsenal has gone winless in the first two rounds of the Premier League, with one draw and one loss. Vieira, now 40, concluded with a sobering reflection: “I still watch Arsenal. They play attractive football, no doubt. But they’ve lost their bite—the strength, the identity. It’s not just about flair; it’s about winning. And right now, they’re falling short. They keep losing matches they should be winning.”

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