I’m a fan of the sport and I’m familiar with with players in Australia, Greece, Ukraine , etc. I’m sure Wenger is an even bigger fan than I am.
Plus he oversees a network that scouts players from all over the world. He pulls obscure players from his networks in Africa and Arsenal are trying to expand their network over here.
What makes he think he knows nothing about MLS?
That would be dereliction of duty on his part and Wenger dopesn’t strike me as the kind of guy to let somethng like that happen.
” I believe the only true comment’s he made were about Gary Smith, or the fact that MLS isn’t yet EPL level. He has no idea who Casey, Pablo and Cummings are! He probably can’t remember the colors or even the crest shape of the Crapids. Go FC Dallas!!! ”
How do you know what Arsene knows about MLS? Is this something you discuss with him over dinner?
Those being sarcastic about his pick are paying too much attention to a misleading headline. The video is not about who Arsene thinks will win. He makes it clear that he’s rooting for Colorado because of the relationship between the clubs.
Substantively, the fact that he spent two minutes talking about MLS Cup, and even realizes that it’s a bit of a surprise that Colorado is here, is not insignificant. Wenger doesn’t exactly go out of his way to dish out compliments. If he thinks soccer is actually starting to take hold in America, I personally find that interesting.
To those who think this vid promotes MLS, guess again. Wenger is talking about the Rapids. He clearly states that MLS still lacks quality but that the fans are supporting it. His comment about the level of play in MLS isn’t exactly something one would say if they were in the leagues back pocket. BTW who cares if SBI has posts that prop up MLS, after all it is our nations best soccer league.
PS Wenger won’t lose too much sleep over the Rapids loss to FC Dallas.
Thanks Paul for injecting some common sense and a logical approach to the otherwise irrational musings of the peanut gallery.
Americans have been working for years to make in-roads in European football, and when guys like Donovan, Dempsey, and Holden play good football, and great managers of the game and great teams like Arsenal establish relationships with teams like the Rapids, however “misinsule” the relationship may be, it only adds credibility to the American game.
This post is so absurd that I want to reply. However, other people have made the same point I would, so I’ll limit myself to saying that I come here because it’s the best in the business, not because I have some delusion that my presence somehow improves the blog.
Freddy you are always welcome to move on. This isn’t your site. If you don’t like the guidelines go elsewhere. If you don’t like what Arsene has to say don’t listen.If you don’t like what Ives has to say stop posting.
What is so hard about that? This site named is Soccer By Ives not Freddy******Failed’s site.
Do you think you are entitled to a site set up exactly the way you want it? Fine then set up your own.
I don’t like everything about Ives or this site but I see no reason to get on a high horse about it. Apparently, you and STX81 do. At least STX said please.
Sorry for reposting, but I’d add that soccer does have some significant advantages over other sports going forward. Bill Simmons, the espn.com writer who is the biggest sports writer in America, has noted how soccer looks fantastic in HD. Since players don’t wear helmets or protective gear, their emotions are readily visible on screen. Plus, games never exceed 2 hours, and there are no commercials to break up the action, which is a huge plus.
The influx of Hispanics into the US, with their traditional love for the sport, is also a promising development. If demographic trends hold, 2050 will be the first year in American history where over half the country is non-white. Eventually the country is going to have to change, the nativists like Beck and O’Reilly are going to hold less sway, and America will embrace the changes that come with a different demographic makeup. All these trends almost guarantee that soccer will remain on the ascent, as long as the league management continues to be so diligent and effective
I can find only positives from a world-famous manager like Wenger addressing the MLS Cup, even if he is merely being polite. MLS has a long way to go, which everyone knows, but it has come an equally long way from its beginnings. For all the exasperation its salary rules and dreadful officiating cause, the league has been a top-down creation, by savvy businessmen and administrators like Garber, Hunt, Gazidis in a very unforgiving American sporting landscape.
Soccer is so different from any American sport, it’s going to take years for casual fans to learn the intricacies that can make even a scoreless draw enjoyable. The next step for MLS comes from the bottom up. MLS clubs can only focus on what they do, train players from their development academies and bring the level of play up steadily. It’s frustrating, but one day, many years from now, soccer WILL be a major sport in this country. It’s just not going to be easy or quick.
You know you could always take they high road Ives and just ignore such comments on your site. You come off as more touchy than any other soccer journo out there. I can understand if someone came on and wrote some foul stuff about you and your site but the fellow just said leave the shallow promotion stuff to MLS suits as he/she has too much respect for you/your site. You decide to respond to that?? I know your response was also not insulting but at the same time is it really necessary to even respond to it??
Also as was pointed out, because the commenter isn’t a regular on the comments section of your site doesnt mean they can’t criticize your work. Perhaps they are regular readers and 1st time commenters? Makes them no less important to you, your site and your paycheck.
What a lame reply by SBI. Last time I checked this site generates revenue from website traffic. You know, things like banner impressions. Get off your high horse. Some people aren’t going to like something and will let you know about it. Kind of rude of you to tell them they don’t have that right. I’m sure lots of people visit this site regularly without leaving comments on the message board. Doesn’t make them any less important in my opinion. But go ahead and do what you will I guess. Its your website. Go ahead and alienate your readers because they happen to speak up for themselves.
I was surprised that Wenger would bother to express any opinion on an MLS match. But I think those of us who hope for good things for MLS should be glad for the attention that this will or may get on Arsenal TV. The more I think about it, the more I start to suspect that this cup final will actually be pretty interesting.
I would like to add- give Ives a break, I havent found very much positive news supporting the Crapids for the cup. As far as the exposure debate- well I think most people are seeing it for what it is, and my guess is it’s that why on the otherside of the pond as well 🙂
Could’nt agree more. What you have there is a case of “I’m going to say nice things because we have the same owner”. I believe the only true comment’s he made were about Gary Smith, or the fact that MLS isn’t yet EPL level. He has no idea who Casey, Pablo and Cummings are! He probably can’t remember the colors or even the crest shape of the Crapids. Go FC Dallas!!!
SBI can be a defensive blogger. He has also been short-tempered at times, or perhaps even condescending during Q&A. I hope he realizes that his owes a lot of his prominence to those of us who loyally produce page hits on this site.
There is no reason to tell a person to settle down just because they don’t think an item is up to your usually high standards. Or just because you don’t like their view. This should be an open forum.
(SBI-Freddy, when people who have never commented, or hardly ever comment, come on and get all high and mighty I’m going to take issue. It’s not about being defensive, it’s about not allowing people to troll or do drive-by rants. If you’re someone who is a regular contributor to the site I’m going to listen more closely than if you’re someone who has never commented and is looking to start trouble.
I’ll make it simple for you. Just because you visit this site doesn’t give you the right to say what you want. That’s not how it works here, has never been and never will be.
As for what this forum “should be”, if you want a forum to be a certain way, you are welcome to start your own. Otherwise, deal with the guidelines and try to be respectful. Unlike some other sites, this isn’t the wild west and the comments are monitored very closely.)
No but he saw them in camp, and new the coach. He did point out that there is still a gap between MLS and EPL, but did not mention FC Kanasas beat down of Man U
If it’s on Arsenals website, it’s exposure… to many people.
Understand the business side of it guys, any coverage is good coverage for the league and the Rapids. It’s intelligent cross marketing between his brands.
hmmm. he didn’t name any players or say anything specific about how they play, other than the platitudes about team spirit. Not sure he’s ever watched them (other than the one time he referenced)
Of course he’s going to choose Colorado, have a business partnership with Arsenal. But let’s be honest with ourselves, Wenger has never seen an MLS game in his life. I’d bet money that he can’t name a player on either roster.
I’m a fan of the sport and I’m familiar with with players in Australia, Greece, Ukraine , etc. I’m sure Wenger is an even bigger fan than I am.
Plus he oversees a network that scouts players from all over the world. He pulls obscure players from his networks in Africa and Arsenal are trying to expand their network over here.
What makes he think he knows nothing about MLS?
That would be dereliction of duty on his part and Wenger dopesn’t strike me as the kind of guy to let somethng like that happen.
” I believe the only true comment’s he made were about Gary Smith, or the fact that MLS isn’t yet EPL level. He has no idea who Casey, Pablo and Cummings are! He probably can’t remember the colors or even the crest shape of the Crapids. Go FC Dallas!!! ”
How do you know what Arsene knows about MLS? Is this something you discuss with him over dinner?
Meatballs or Stripes?
Lighten up, Francis.
Those being sarcastic about his pick are paying too much attention to a misleading headline. The video is not about who Arsene thinks will win. He makes it clear that he’s rooting for Colorado because of the relationship between the clubs.
Substantively, the fact that he spent two minutes talking about MLS Cup, and even realizes that it’s a bit of a surprise that Colorado is here, is not insignificant. Wenger doesn’t exactly go out of his way to dish out compliments. If he thinks soccer is actually starting to take hold in America, I personally find that interesting.
But still, shut up voyeur!
Shut up, voyeur!
To those who think this vid promotes MLS, guess again. Wenger is talking about the Rapids. He clearly states that MLS still lacks quality but that the fans are supporting it. His comment about the level of play in MLS isn’t exactly something one would say if they were in the leagues back pocket. BTW who cares if SBI has posts that prop up MLS, after all it is our nations best soccer league.
PS Wenger won’t lose too much sleep over the Rapids loss to FC Dallas.
Great post Knowles!
Quality post Ives.
For all you haters out there, do you think Arsene Wenger would be fielding questions about the Colorado Rapids ten years ago?
Progress. Word.
Thanks Paul for injecting some common sense and a logical approach to the otherwise irrational musings of the peanut gallery.
Americans have been working for years to make in-roads in European football, and when guys like Donovan, Dempsey, and Holden play good football, and great managers of the game and great teams like Arsenal establish relationships with teams like the Rapids, however “misinsule” the relationship may be, it only adds credibility to the American game.
At first I thought this was gonna be a joke, you know, like the Jim Mora “Playoffs?!” spoofs.
very strange to hear arsene talk about the rapids, but we’ll take it!
This post is so absurd that I want to reply. However, other people have made the same point I would, so I’ll limit myself to saying that I come here because it’s the best in the business, not because I have some delusion that my presence somehow improves the blog.
thanks for sharing…i rather see more than less…good job sbi
Yeah, this clip was pretty fluffy
Would you bet money on “FC Kanasas” to win a best 4 out of 7 series between Man U and “FC Kanasas”?
Freddy you are always welcome to move on. This isn’t your site. If you don’t like the guidelines go elsewhere. If you don’t like what Arsene has to say don’t listen.If you don’t like what Ives has to say stop posting.
What is so hard about that? This site named is Soccer By Ives not Freddy******Failed’s site.
Do you think you are entitled to a site set up exactly the way you want it? Fine then set up your own.
I don’t like everything about Ives or this site but I see no reason to get on a high horse about it. Apparently, you and STX81 do. At least STX said please.
Sorry for reposting, but I’d add that soccer does have some significant advantages over other sports going forward. Bill Simmons, the espn.com writer who is the biggest sports writer in America, has noted how soccer looks fantastic in HD. Since players don’t wear helmets or protective gear, their emotions are readily visible on screen. Plus, games never exceed 2 hours, and there are no commercials to break up the action, which is a huge plus.
The influx of Hispanics into the US, with their traditional love for the sport, is also a promising development. If demographic trends hold, 2050 will be the first year in American history where over half the country is non-white. Eventually the country is going to have to change, the nativists like Beck and O’Reilly are going to hold less sway, and America will embrace the changes that come with a different demographic makeup. All these trends almost guarantee that soccer will remain on the ascent, as long as the league management continues to be so diligent and effective
I can find only positives from a world-famous manager like Wenger addressing the MLS Cup, even if he is merely being polite. MLS has a long way to go, which everyone knows, but it has come an equally long way from its beginnings. For all the exasperation its salary rules and dreadful officiating cause, the league has been a top-down creation, by savvy businessmen and administrators like Garber, Hunt, Gazidis in a very unforgiving American sporting landscape.
Soccer is so different from any American sport, it’s going to take years for casual fans to learn the intricacies that can make even a scoreless draw enjoyable. The next step for MLS comes from the bottom up. MLS clubs can only focus on what they do, train players from their development academies and bring the level of play up steadily. It’s frustrating, but one day, many years from now, soccer WILL be a major sport in this country. It’s just not going to be easy or quick.
Apologies for any spelling mistakes in the above post.
You know you could always take they high road Ives and just ignore such comments on your site. You come off as more touchy than any other soccer journo out there. I can understand if someone came on and wrote some foul stuff about you and your site but the fellow just said leave the shallow promotion stuff to MLS suits as he/she has too much respect for you/your site. You decide to respond to that?? I know your response was also not insulting but at the same time is it really necessary to even respond to it??
Also as was pointed out, because the commenter isn’t a regular on the comments section of your site doesnt mean they can’t criticize your work. Perhaps they are regular readers and 1st time commenters? Makes them no less important to you, your site and your paycheck.
PS. I have zero probs with the video.
If I remember, the pre-season Rapids beat Wenger’s reserve team. Next time maybe he can close the ‘gap’ by fielding the big boys.
What a lame reply by SBI. Last time I checked this site generates revenue from website traffic. You know, things like banner impressions. Get off your high horse. Some people aren’t going to like something and will let you know about it. Kind of rude of you to tell them they don’t have that right. I’m sure lots of people visit this site regularly without leaving comments on the message board. Doesn’t make them any less important in my opinion. But go ahead and do what you will I guess. Its your website. Go ahead and alienate your readers because they happen to speak up for themselves.
I was surprised that Wenger would bother to express any opinion on an MLS match. But I think those of us who hope for good things for MLS should be glad for the attention that this will or may get on Arsenal TV. The more I think about it, the more I start to suspect that this cup final will actually be pretty interesting.
Freddy, until the name of this blog is “Soccer By Everyone On the Internet,” I’m afraid you’re wrong.
Maybe you should send Ives a few $$$ to help pay for the domain and hosting costs, what with your complaining about this being an “open forum.”
Any idea who Kronke is backing for the Cup or the Hunt family for that matter?
In fairness to the sarcasm Ives, you can dish it when deserving so I’d assume you can take it accordingly too.
Walk it off we mean no harm.
I would like to add- give Ives a break, I havent found very much positive news supporting the Crapids for the cup. As far as the exposure debate- well I think most people are seeing it for what it is, and my guess is it’s that why on the otherside of the pond as well 🙂
what about this forum isn’t open? it’s open to both lame comments and to Ives telling lame commenters stfu.
besides, i found it highly entertaining watching AW trying to sound informed on questions about the Rapids, heh.
Freddy,
you find “settle down” offensive? Really? Girl, talk about getting defensive. Try to man up a bit and be less girly.
HC
Could’nt agree more. What you have there is a case of “I’m going to say nice things because we have the same owner”. I believe the only true comment’s he made were about Gary Smith, or the fact that MLS isn’t yet EPL level. He has no idea who Casey, Pablo and Cummings are! He probably can’t remember the colors or even the crest shape of the Crapids. Go FC Dallas!!!
SBI can be a defensive blogger. He has also been short-tempered at times, or perhaps even condescending during Q&A. I hope he realizes that his owes a lot of his prominence to those of us who loyally produce page hits on this site.
There is no reason to tell a person to settle down just because they don’t think an item is up to your usually high standards. Or just because you don’t like their view. This should be an open forum.
(SBI-Freddy, when people who have never commented, or hardly ever comment, come on and get all high and mighty I’m going to take issue. It’s not about being defensive, it’s about not allowing people to troll or do drive-by rants. If you’re someone who is a regular contributor to the site I’m going to listen more closely than if you’re someone who has never commented and is looking to start trouble.
I’ll make it simple for you. Just because you visit this site doesn’t give you the right to say what you want. That’s not how it works here, has never been and never will be.
As for what this forum “should be”, if you want a forum to be a certain way, you are welcome to start your own. Otherwise, deal with the guidelines and try to be respectful. Unlike some other sites, this isn’t the wild west and the comments are monitored very closely.)
In the words of the Talking Heads….”Stop Making Sense”.
Considering that it was only posted to give the idle masses something to complain about, seems to have worked.
No but he saw them in camp, and new the coach. He did point out that there is still a gap between MLS and EPL, but did not mention FC Kanasas beat down of Man U
Arsenal Colorado will rise again!!!
PS: Get off SBI’s back. The more stuff on this site the better. Just don’t read or watch what you don’t care about.
Word, Paul C. I don’t understand the hate. I’m sure he doesn’t know much about the Rapids or MLS, for that matter. But any exposure is good exposure.
If it’s on Arsenals website, it’s exposure… to many people.
Understand the business side of it guys, any coverage is good coverage for the league and the Rapids. It’s intelligent cross marketing between his brands.
hmmm. he didn’t name any players or say anything specific about how they play, other than the platitudes about team spirit. Not sure he’s ever watched them (other than the one time he referenced)
Of course he’s going to choose Colorado, have a business partnership with Arsenal. But let’s be honest with ourselves, Wenger has never seen an MLS game in his life. I’d bet money that he can’t name a player on either roster.
Please leave the shallow promotion stuff to MLS suits. I have too much respect for this site.
(SBI-Settle down. It’s just a video clip, not an “article”. If you don’t like it, move on.)
…well at least he is taking a biased interest instead of no interest at all, I guess…
Completely agree.
Pointless article. What do you expect him to say: I expect FC Dallas to beat Colorado Rapids, the team who ARSENAL has a partnership with.