In many ways, the next Arsenal manager has an impossible job on his hands trying to follow Wenger, yet some sections of supporters have been calling for a change of coach for a while. Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis has used words like “brave” and “bold” when describing the board’s search for a replacement and impending appointment of a successor to Wenger.
This is a watershed moment for Arsenal; do they go with a big name to step into Wenger’s shoes, placate their fanbase with a former Gunners great, or take a gamble on a young or up-and-coming coach? Here are five leading contenders to be next Arsenal manager.
1.Luis Enrique
Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is favourite to succeed Wenger as Gunners gaffer after his trophy-laden three years at the Nou Camp (2014-17). He has been on a sabbatical since leaving the Catalan giants at the end of last season.Wenger has openly told Metro he would approve of Champions League-winning coach Enrique taking up the reins at the Emirates Stadium but the Spaniard’s services will be in huge demand this summer. Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea could come in for him if Antonio Conte leaves Stamford Bridge.
Enrique will only return to management for a role that excites him but it remains to be seen if the Gunners can match whatever ambitions he harbours. Compatriot and Barca predecessor Pep Guardiola has made a successful transition to Premier League life via a spell in Germany with Bayern Munich, so could Enrique follow suit?
2. Mikel Arteta
Speaking of Guardiola, Manchester City assistant coach and ex-Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta is behind Enrique in the betting. He’s been part of the Premier League title winning setup at the Etihad this season. Although reportedly well-regarded by the Gunners hierarchy, having learned from both Wenger and his current boss, this looks a huge jump for Arteta from a backroom role to cutting his teeth in management. This is the kind of bold direction Arsenal could move in but it’s not without risk.
What counts against Arteta is the availability of and likely interest from vastly more experienced coaches. Big names bring more than potential to the table.
3. Joachim Löw
Germany’s 2014 World Cup winning boss Joachim Löw is an interesting contender to take the Gunners on after a tilt at landing successive global crowns with his country in Russia this summer. Although contracted until 2020, Löw cannot better what he’s already achieved with the national team so taking on a new role outside of the German setup for the first time in nearly 15 years may appeal.
Arsenal have had some notable German stars during the Wenger era, including current coach and ex-goalie Jens Lehmann, defender Per Mertesacker, who retires from playing at the end of the season to take up a role with the academy, and playmaker Mesut Ozil.Löw has coached abroad before in Turkey and Austria so the Gunners vacancy is one to consider even though they may need to pay compensation to get him.
4 Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers has rebuilt his reputation somewhat at Celtic after being a nearly-man at Liverpool. The Bhoys have all but clinched back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles under the Northern Irishman and seek successive domestic trebles.Where Celtic have been found wanting, however, is in Europe. Unfortunately for leading British Isles contender Rodgers, that is also a stage on which Arsenal have struggled under Wenger in recent years.
The Gunners are no longer a Champions League club. Even a fairytale ending for Wenger – riding off into the sunset after tasting Europa League glory, which as of April 26 before the semi-finals started is a 3/1 chance with Betway – cannot hide their diminished status.
Rodgers came within touching distance of the Premier League title during his tenure at Anfield but it slipped away from him. That may be in the back of some people’s minds who are appointing Wenger’s successor.
5. Massimiliano Allegri
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is a contender to be next Arsenal manager after building on the excellent foundations left to him in Turin by Chelsea coach Conte. The Old Lady are wobbling in their pursuit of a seventh successive Serie A title, however, having recently lost to closest challengers Napoli.
Allegri, like Wenger, is a Champion League finalist, having taken Juve there twice in the previous three seasons. Prior to that, he also landed the Scudetto with AC Milan but presided over a period of decline there when his best players were sold.
Moving abroad may appeal to Allegri after doing two of Italian football’s toughest jobs. In market terms at least, he’s gone ahead of compatriot Carlo Ancelotti who is a free agent after leaving Bayern Munich this past autumn.
Credit by Soccer Highlights Today
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