How will Arsenal fans react to the day when they see the back of Arsene Wenger at the club? These thoughts were evoked by club’s chief executive, Ivan Gazidis stating that Arsenal’s biggest challenge…
How will Arsenal fans react to the day when they see the back of Arsene Wenger at the club?
These thoughts were evoked by club’s chief executive, Ivan Gazidis stating that Arsenal’s biggest challenge will be finding Wenger’s replacement when he leaves.
In an interview to the press Gazidis said, “The biggest challenge we’re going to face as a club is that transition from Arsene to the next manager. We have a giant who’s managing us. Arsene has put the club in a great, great position.”
Under Wenger’s reign, Arsenal have qualified for the Champions League for 17 consecutive seasons and also led them to a FA Cup glory by beating Hull City in the FA Cup final this year. The former Monaco boss was appointed in September 1996 and since then; the gaffer holds the record of being the longest serving manager in the EPL after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
He was the backbone to Arsenal’s trophy winning eras in 1997-98, 2001-02 and 2003-04. However, when Wenger retires who CAN replace the Frenchman at the club? Here are some 5 prospects who we think could easily be Arsene’s replacement:
Jurgen Klopp
The English Premier League will be enthralled to see the arrival of Jurgen Klopp at the club of Arsenal’s stature. The German is known to be a character at the pitchside as well as play an attacking flow of football that is a treat to the eyes. Since his arrival at Borussia Dortmund, Klopp has won 2 Bundesliga titles (2010–11, 2011–12), DFB-Pokal (2011–12), DFL-Supercup (2013, 2014) and a UEFA Champions League medal (2012-13). Arsene and Klopp share a good camaraderie amongst themselves and that could be an engaging factor as to why the German can NOT be a hit at the Emirates.
Thierry Henry
After spending 8 season with the Gunners, French star Thierry Henry finally made a return back to the club in January 2012 on a temporary loan basis. A hit amongst the fans, Henry has always stated in interviews and talk shows about his love for Arsenal and how he envisions of managing the club he ‘loves’. So if Arsene does call it a day, Theirry Henry might be a good pick at Arsenal since the former’s knowhow about the club in and out.
Antonio Conte
After a successful spell with Italian giants Juventus where he won 3 back-to-back Serie A titles, Italian Antonio Conte has now taken over the role as the country’s leading boss. Conte has a great reputation in the footballing world and after having ‘finished work’ with Italy, why not Arsenal take a chance with Conte as Wenger’s replacement!
Joachim Loew
After steering the country to their 4th FIFA World Cup title, Joachim Loew is in great demand. Even though the German coach will continue to manage the national squad, there are reports coming that the gaffer might eye a shot at a managerial post. If and when Arsene decides to leave, then Loew is the best bet to be at the managerial spot at Arsenal. With the likes of Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski at the club, Loew could feel at ‘home’ at Arsenal, if the latter arrives.
Roberto Mancini
49-year old Italian Roberto Mancini is not new to the perils of the English Premier League. After leading Manchester City to their first ever Title for 40 years, Mancini was the crowd’s favourite. A stint at Galatasaray couldn’t help the Italian’s cause and is currently unemployed. By appointing Mancini, Arsenal could take one step ahead in building a great success at the club taking in the Italian’s attacking mindset and smooth transfer policy.
