text: The Kroenkes, a bloody nose and The Athletic. | Highbury House
  The Kroenkes, a bloody nose and The Athletic.
  by rico | Friday, November 20, 2020 | Daily Bits and Bobs | 37 comments
  Here's another extract from The Athletic. It relates to the Kroenke family and Arsenal. The article itself is much longer and interesting but I'm afraid you'll have to sign up to the newspaper to read it all. I don't want my subscription cancelled or a telling off.
  (Contributing writers: James McNicholas, David Ornstein and Amy Lawrence)
  It was the day before the transfer deadline. The Los Angeles Rams were trailing the New York Giants by three to six at half-time, when Stan and Josh Kroenke broke off from watching the game to join a conference call. During a telephone conversation with trusted associate and Arsenal board member Tim Lewis, the owners authorised the club to trigger the €50 million release clause for Thomas Partey.
  Such is life when you sit at the summit of a multi-billion empire spanning five sports and two continents. The Athletic has been told that the Kroenkes consider the Rams and Arsenal the twin jewels in the KSE crown. Some Arsenal supporters will take comfort from the fact the owners stepped out of a Rams game to attend to urgent transfer business. For others, the Kroenkes' association with Arsenal still doesn't feel right.
  Stan Kroenke's initial investment in 2007 was met with icy hostility, and the relationship with some fans has not thawed as his stake has increased. Until Kroenke arrived on the scene, Arsenal was a club that spoke not of "owners" but "custodians". For many supporters, the Kroenkes are indelibly linked to a change in Arsenal's traditions and culture, and a gradual slide towards being a corporation — just another "franchise" in KSE's hefty portfolio.
  The accusation is that a lack of focus has allowed Arsenal to drift. In the decade prior to Stan's first involvement, Arsenal won three Premier League titles. They have not won one since, and it was 2014 before they won a trophy — the FA Cup. The club have slipped from Champions League certainties to Europa League regulars. At times, the club has appeared directionless. Is it possible to keep a firm hand on the tiller when you are overseeing an entire fleet?
  There have been banners, hashtags and full-on protests. It has not been uncommon to hear the Arsenal fans tunefully urging Stan Kroenke to "get out of our club".
  Though some feel calling the owners passive is wrong. "It is unfair to say the Kroenkes are not in touch enough," says one source. "They care about it, but in a way that care comes through the two or three people they trust 100 per cent. Then it's very important that these people confirm their trust is well deserved, that they take care of the club as if they were the owners themselves."
  The club's response to the pandemic has raised new concerns, with many supporters enraged by redundancies. Stan Kroenke is estimated by Forbes to be worth $10 billion, yet Gunnersaurus' salary has been deemed unaffordable. Arsenal's books for 2013-14 and 2014-15 revealed £3 million had been paid to KSE for "strategic and advisory services", a sum which cannot possibly be worth to Kroenke what it cost him in goodwill.
  But then we come to Partey, and Stan and Josh Kroenke finding the time to ensure Arsenal got the midfielder they needed. They found the money, too. Given the ongoing losses Arsenal are suffering as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic, there's no way they could have found the cash reserves required to buy out Partey's contract without significant owner support. At the end of a summer in which Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) had helped the club restructure their stadium debt, the outlay for Partey felt like another significant statement of intent.
  The Kroenkes have long suggested their intention was to invest once they took Arsenal private as 100 per cent owners. The two years since they completed their takeover have not brought stability — it has been a period of tumultuous change. The year 2020 alone has seen Arsenal weighing the glory of an FA Cup win against the financial fallout from COVID-19. There have been wage cuts, redundancies and a substantial restructuring. Throughout, Arsenal's position has been that those changes were designed to put the club in a position to strengthen the first team — and they undoubtedly emerged from the transfer window with a stronger squad.
  This then is an appropriate time to take stock — to explore the nature of KSE's involvement in Arsenal, and cast some light on the personalities behind the corporation. The Athletic has spent the past weeks speaking to those who know the Kroenkes best in order to paint a picture of Arsenal's owners. Our findings include:
  Stan Kroenke has attended Arsenal matches more regularly than reported.
  KSE have a small network of trusted executives they use to monitor activity at Arsenal.
  At no point during the Wenger reign did the ownership turn down a direct request for funds from the manager.
  The decision to sign Nicolas Pepe was made at a BBQ at Josh Kroenke's Los Angeles home. The ownership made certain financial guarantees in case the club was not able to sell players to fund the deal.
  The players' pay cut was not a mandate from the ownership. Executives made a presentation to the squad using the image and analogy of a sleeping bear.
  Tim Lewis is now a "boots-on-the-ground" presence for the Kroenkes, has visited London Colney to observe training and was the man to tell Raul Sanllehi he was fired.
  In the summer transfer window, Arsenal attempted to use instalment-based payment structures to land two of their top three targets from Partey, Houssem Aouar and Jorginho.
  The Arsenal ownership are prepared to make further investments in the team, with Dominik Szoboszlai already under discussion with hierarchy and technical staff.
  Three weeks after the transfer deadline passed, Arsenal won a league match at Old Trafford for the first time since Stan first bought into the club, 13 years ago. The Arsenal owner, 73, is understood to have been particularly delighted by Partey's commanding midfield performance.
  He would have had some idea of what to expect from the Ghanaian. As part of the recruitment process, technical director Edu walked the ownership through step-by-step on how Partey, along with other potential signings, would fit into Mikel Arteta's tactical plans. While KSE place huge trust in their executive teams, when it comes to the biggest decisions "Silent" Stan Kroenke remains the man with the final say.
  The Athletic also reported yesterday that Dani Ceballos and David Luiz had a 'handbags at dawn' moment during training. A hefty tackle made by Ceballos on Luiz was the cause apparently. Just as it was when the Spaniard and Eddie Nketiah clashed.
  Perhaps emotions are simply running high. At least that's all I hope it is as Mikel Arteta doesn't need in-house squabbles adding to his troubles.
  Frednerk	on 20th November 2020 at 10:07 am
  Getting out of their seats over 50 mil wonder if The Syrup would have got out bed for that
  Lack of investment in The Arsenal since rebuilding our stadium has cost us in the end,scouses yids chavs have joined the party now 4th is a trophy we have to some rebuild and integrate our young players
  I think Micky and Edu are perfect from what I've seen
  We just need a bit more from The Syrup of Fig
  Adam	on 20th November 2020 at 10:07 am
  Morning Rico. Didn't Ceballos clobber Eddie recently and didn't that end up in a bit of a confrontation?
  Monster game for Arteta this weekend.
  rico	on 20th November 2020 at 10:11 am
  Morning Fred, Adam and all.
  Yes Adam, it's in the last few lines of the post. Lol
  Fred, if the article in The Athletic is factual, the owners have never denied a manager money. Not Arsene anyway.
  Adam	on 20th November 2020 at 10:16 am
  Oops. Sorry Rico. I skated through the last bit too quickly it seems. 😴
  rico	on 20th November 2020 at 10:29 am
  Ha ha Adam, just teasing.
  Isn't it quiet these days? I guess we're all running out of things to say about Arsenal. I know I am.
  allezkev	on 20th November 2020 at 10:35 am
  Morning campers, no Kolasinac or Elneny or Partey for Leeds it seems.
  So it's back to Ceballos and Xhaka for Elland Road.
  Morning Rico, thanks for the post, I hope you don't get a rollicking. 😄
  For me, the most encouraging development in recent years outside of the playing side was the placing of Tim Lewis is a managerial oversight role as it's a similar scenario to when David Dein had the reins, Tim being a Gooner is a major plus for me.
  rico	on 20th November 2020 at 10:46 am
  Morning Kev. Me too. Lol
  Blimey, after being quite smug over Liverpool's injuries etc, we've been hit hard for Sunday. Still, these players coming in should be ready for the battle. They have a point to prove I think.
  Good point re Tim Lewis. Especially as he was reported to be the one who fired Raul.
  Frednerk	on 20th November 2020 at 11:06 am
  For me Arsene lost it once he read Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs,anyone over 5ft 9 had no balance,he feel in love with this Barce Babes,he never took into account teams like Stoke and Bolten,
  Arsene always maintained he had tosell before he could buy.
  potter	on 20th November 2020 at 12:36 pm
  Arteta is always saying that he selects his teams on how players perform in training Maybe Ceballos is reading the writings on the wall that Arsenal's midfield needs more steel to go alongside Partey and is over compensating.
  KSE would be more convincing were their teams in America more successful When I read bits on the Rapids it seems that they are just about happy to keep in the mix . They are currently 5th out of 12 in their league although they have games in hand.
  The Denver Nuggets are 4th ( basketball ) , the Colorado Avalanche are 3rd in the National Ice Hockey league and L.A Rams are 2nd equal 3rd out of 4 in their division in the great American egg chase .
  Being there or thereabouts seems to be their ambition and I fear their aim is for an Arsenal that qualifies for Champions league and bows out last 8 or better.
  Having said that , it would be an improvement on where we are now and maybe that's the way it has to be .
  Softly softly catchee monkey . If I am allowed to say that in this woke society.
  Rick	on 20th November 2020 at 12:57 pm
  The U23 home game against the Toffies is about to start.
  ESmith Rowe
  Kev Okonkwo is on the bench along with Omari Hutchinson.
  Pleased for both of them
  rico	on 20th November 2020 at 1:23 pm
  Fred, was Wenger telling porkies though, or did he just not ask for funds.
  I don't know how the NFL operates but is the pressure to win as big as it is in football I wonder. Are the expectations as high? No idea myself.
  Rick	on 20th November 2020 at 2:03 pm
  H/T Winning 1-0
  Good goal by ESR.
  Good value for lead.
  Cicero	on 20th November 2020 at 2:08 pm
  It sounds like The Kroenkes have recruited a new PR consultant. Get a few good news stories in the media. Try to head off criticism of KSE in the face of some underwhelming results. Next we will hear from Josh how Arteta has the board's full confidence.
  Cicero	on 20th November 2020 at 2:09 pm
  What are you watching it on Rick?
  rico	on 20th November 2020 at 2:19 pm
  Good re ESR Rick.
  You old cynic Cicero. Lol
  Rick	on 20th November 2020 at 2:37 pm
  Balogun sent off 2yellows
  seconed yellow for diving ????
  ESR subbed H/T and now Sokratis Still 1-0
  Rick	on 20th November 2020 at 3:07 pm
  Second win and second clean sheet of the season.
  ESR played 45 mins and Chambers 76mins.
  Both seemed fitter then they were against Gillingham.
  Could we see both against Mould on thurs (and Balogun)
  Climbing up the table now big one next week league leaders Derby.
  Perhapes now some fans will get off Steve Boulds back
  Limey	on 20th November 2020 at 3:17 pm
  Sorry to be cynical but David Ornstein in particular and The Athletic (fine publication,but I like my content for free) seem to be the Kroenkes favoured outlet to leak Arsenal news.They are never going to be negative about KSE.
  Thinking about Sundays team, I'd like to see Willock,maybe Maitland-Niles play,Xhaka & Ceballos are a given if fit,both lovely players,both slow.
  I reckon we need the extra energy these bring to combat Leeds style.Play AMN at left wing back,Joe in midfield you get both in,bingo.
  Cicero	on 20th November 2020 at 5:30 pm
  It's good news that Chambers got ninety minutes for the U23s, I reckon he's going to be needed in the first team soon.
  rico	on 20th November 2020 at 5:44 pm
  I didn't realise The Athletic were very pro Kroenke.
  allezkev	on 20th November 2020 at 5:45 pm
  allezkev	on 20th November 2020 at 5:55 pm
  If Mustafi leaves in January we might see Sokratis brought back into the 25, that's if the man with the immovable face doesn't leave either?
  Great to see Smith Rowe and Chambers involved as they continue their recovery from injury.
  Two games, two clean sheets, three red cards now this season, it's very up and down.
  Great to see Hutchison on the bench and Rick it does seem that Okonkwo is gradually being brought back into the squad again.
  I wonder how Akinola is playing now after an iffy start?
  allezkev	on 20th November 2020 at 6:13 pm
  Arsenal Correspondent6 hours ago
  But wind the clock forward a couple of months and the towering 6'4″ Swedish teenager is busy ensuring that those who did not take much notice of his summer arrival are doing so now
  frednerk	on 20th November 2020 at 6:16 pm
  Rico I always thought Arsene was as tight as a ducks- arse and that's water tight, we spend a bit
  now I think because reality has turned up.
  We have to find a leader among this crop or it's gonna be an old timer brought in again who may or may not want to bust a gut.
  At the moment Liverpool are the yardstick.
  Klipperty Klopp knew the team had no splne
  Keeper,centrehalf and striker done the trick,
  67mil,75mil,35mil over 3 seasons.
  Looking at that Micky I think maybe thinking
  Arsene never got anywhere near in the end,
  when you hear Arsene saying we could have
  signed Messi Ronald Mbappe and so on,if he had
  the dough,wonder what it was that stopped him.
  rico	on 20th November 2020 at 6:37 pm
  I think all the young signings kind of passed unnoticed Kev as the focus usually tends to be on senior players. When it comes to younger players, I think more patience is perhaps needed.
  rico	on 20th November 2020 at 6:43 pm
  Fred, I think Arsene had his tongue in cheek when he told us who he could and couldn't have signed. After all, who can forget him saying he'd hand back £100m if it was ever given to him for transfers.
  Frednerk	on 20th November 2020 at 7:06 pm
  Totally confused now Rico 😩
  allezkev	on 20th November 2020 at 10:24 pm
  I wonder if, given his recent history with Leeds United that Arteta might possibly consider starting Eddie Nketiah up front at Elland Road?
  Lacazette will probably be favourite to start with Eddie on the bench, but it would be thinking outside the box to start Eddie? What about starting them as a pair and going 4 4 2, unlikely I know but we've got a lot of tired players who could probably do with a seat on the bench instead of starting. Aubameyang has been all over Africa, Gabriel has been all over the world, Saka needs a few days off, who knows when it comes to Pepe and Willian?
  Then there's Tierney, he's played every minute for Scotland so it would make sense to give Niles the left back job. Luiz is fighting fit and so should be Holding, Ceballos also must be raring to go, is Mustafi fit?
  It would be great to see Nelson get a start and Willock, but I suspect that we'll see the same old bunch and the squad players will get the Molde gig next week…
  allezkev	on 20th November 2020 at 10:37 pm
  Patience and opportunity Rico, we have so many young talented footballers but they lack exposure and that's going to be more and more difficult with the newer policy of not resting senior players so often but keeping them ticking over, that lack of rotation means less minutes on the pitch for so many of our youngsters. It's the age old conundrum Rico, we want to see our lads given a chance but we also really want to win every game and winning always tops playing the youth…
  I mean how great would it be to see Emile Smith Rowe get a game, but if we lose that game the manager gets a coating, it's a no win situation.
  We've got three really promising centre backs out on loan, McGuiness, Ballard and Clarke, but what chance do they have? If Arteta gave one of them a start and we lost the game you can just imagine the flak that'll be flying around Twatter…
  And there's no Freddie Ljungberg around anymore pushing their case!
  rico	on 20th November 2020 at 11:14 pm
  I totally understand all that Kev. It's all good with the younger guys when we're winning but lose and they and the manager get a slating if that youth player or two have a bad game. I guess that was behind my post yesterday about Arsenal's future cash cow as imo, most of our younger will probably be sold to the highest bidder.
  Meanwhile though, experienced players perform pretty poorly. Doesn't always make sense.
  rico	on 20th November 2020 at 11:19 pm
  Can't see Arteta resting any of the guys who've been on international duty, barring Saka perhaps. Most will have a week off after Sunday. I'd love to see Willock and Nelson play but it goes back to your last comment, we need a win and if the younger guys play, we know who'll take the flack.
  Cicero	on 21st November 2020 at 7:41 am
  Arsenal have dealt internally with Willian over his trip to Dubai and Arteta says there will be "consequences" for the person who leaked the Luiz/Ceballos bust up story.
  frednerk	on 21st November 2020 at 9:16 am
  You and Kev are about right on giving youth a run out
  Micky has to keep the experienced players on side tricky.
  Resting players I wonder if he will he rested 10 for the Villians game?
  rico	on 21st November 2020 at 11:26 am
  Morning Fred, Cicero, all.
  I haven't seen any 'consequences' comment made by Mikel in his press conference. He just says everything has been dealt with and we move on.