Thread: Hleb admits Gooner mistake

Hleb concedes Gunners mistake

Alexander Hleb concedes he made an error in swapping Arsenal for Barcelona last summer.

The talented midfielder is now back at Stuttgart, four years after he left the Bundesliga side, after failing to make an impression at the Catalan giants.

Hleb has joined Stuttgart on a season-long loan but when reflecting on his time in Spain, it is with regret he views his decision to quit London.

"Of course I regret leaving Arsenal," he told ESPN.

"I was playing every week for one of the most exciting sides in Europe, a team which was always in the top four in the Premier League and were Champions League contenders.

"Also, I was being guided by one of the best coaches in the world in Arsene Wenger. I owe him a great deal.

"I developed a better all-round game under him and I became more robust physically, learnt to look up more and play better passes and generally improved greatly as a team player.

"No player ever gets worse under Wenger. For me, leaving Arsenal was not a good move.

"A footballer only exists when he takes to the field and makes a proper contribution to the team and even though I was part of a Barca squad that was almost unstoppable, it was hard not to feel detached from all the happiness and celebration at the end."
Backs Gunners

Arsenal had a relatively poor season prior to Hleb's departure as they finished in fourth place in the Premier League, 18 points behind Manchester United, who also dumped them out of the UEFA Champions League at the semi-final stage, winning 4-1 on aggregate.

However, Hleb feels Arsenal can usurp United this season.

"Obviously, I still look out for Arsenal each week and I hope they can do well this time," he continued.

"I think they will be in the top four again and could even push for the title if they don't have the terrible injuries of last season.

"People forget the long unbeaten run they had after Christmas last season, which was a good sign for this season."

Source

I see what he means, but I think he is being a tad harsh on himself. If a club like Barca comes after you, it would be hard to resist, especially when you consider what some might see as stagnation at Arsenal.

I think he is kidding himself though...Arsenal to finish on top of United?

Not likely.

Maybe he wants to get into Wenger's good books.. a January swoop from Barca maybe..

and yeah.. even in his(or anyone else's) wildest dreams, Gooners ain't gonna finish above United.

I think The Voyeur would consider a bid for Hleb to bring him back. It would be a great piece of business, 'cause he failed at Camp Nou and Barca would be willing to sell him just to get rid of him.

Arsenal need to add to their depth and Wenger has made only one signing this summer but has sold two of his basic players. It wouldn't be such a bad move.