OK, maybe new chief executive, Ivan Gazidis gets a pass this one time around. But if he plans on making statements like this about Arsenal’s Champions League aspirations, then he surely deserves to get grilled at the stake for it, right?
While reaching the Champions League is viewed as imperative for the finances of clubs likes the Gunners, Gazidis (above) believes they could cope with missing out.
Gazidis told The Times: ‘This club is in a position to withstand a year without Champions League qualification, not that we are anticipating it.’
The 44-year-old took up his new post at the Emirates Stadium last month after a 14-year association with Major League Soccer which he helped establish. (The Times)
Whilst Gazidis understands the importance of Champions League football, I’m not quiet sure he fully understands the magnitude of the funds that come with the 4th place spot. Unlike most teams, Arsenal could probably be make out just fine without Champions League football for one season, but what would happen if one year turned into two, and two turned into three? Whilst Arsenal supporters have to be hoping that their squad makes a move up the table soon, they have to be aware that there is a good chance they could be left on the outside looking in.
What do Arsenal supporters think? Could the club survive a year or two without Champions League football, and if so, what kind of financial ramifications would it have?