Daily Bits and Bobs

Next Arsenal Manager – A Neutral Perspective and Key Tips…

Posted on by rico

Written by Tamhas Woods

Arsenal’s eighteenth consecutive season as a participant in the UEFA Champions League has drawn to a close with a shadow of disunity still in force around the club. This impressive number of consecutive appearances is down to only one man, Arsene Wenger, yet he has been one of the most divisive figures at Arsenal through the 2010’s as the power of the Premier League grew exponentially.

Being soundly beaten by Leicester to the Premier League title this year, despite completing a league double over the Foxes, has only served to redouble a pressure that arguably began mounting at the time Leicester were still floundering in the third tier of English Football. For all their comparable riches, Arsenal have now finished ten points behind the new champions, as the absence of the Premier League trophy from Wenger’s cabinet extends to a twelfth year.

On the European scene, eighteen shots at Champions League glory have resulted in eighteen failures, prompting a significant number of Arsenal fans to turn against the man who has brought Premier League glory to the club on three occasions. With the resources afforded to Wenger over the years, enabled in no small part by Champions League football itself, it is not difficult from a neutral perspective to see why this situation has unfolded.

With the twentieth anniversary of his appointment falling on the 1st October, Wenger is now surely ripe for the exit door, but the next managerial appointment will undoubtedly be the single most crucial decision in Arsenal’s entire history.

FRONTRUNNERS

Ronald Koeman / Frank de Boer

Presently the outright favourite to replace Wenger at an average of 7/1, Koeman recently insisted that his immediate future lies on the South Coast, despite being heavily linked with the vacant Everton job. Whether Koeman extends his Southampton contract or not, there is the undying belief that he will soon move on to a true giant of football after stabilising a club once associated only with relegation battles and financial hardship.

Championing a high-intensity style of play, Koeman’s emphasis on fitness has won Southampton many admirers this season, avoiding a dreaded case of “second season syndrome” in impressive style. For the Saints, 2015/16 has seen some fearless displays on the road, not to mention a 4-0 demolition of the Gunners at St Mary’s during the festive season.

Koeman is a worthy favourite that should be backed as soon as possible, as his odds will shorten drastically if (as largely expected) Frank de Boer is appointed Everton’s new manager.

Although De Boer is second favourite (behind Ronald Koeman) to become the next Arsenal manager at an average of 12/1, the smart money lies elsewhere due to the timing of Roberto Martinez’ exit from Goodison.

Joachim Löw

Third on the list of outright candidates is world cup winner Joachim Löw. Although he is priced equally with De Boer, logic makes him a much likelier candidate to replace Wenger.

Löw’s credentials as a top manager need no introduction. The 2014 world cup was arguably one of the most competitive in living memory, yet he masterminded victories over Brazil and Argentina en-route to a first international triumph for a European side on South American turf.

An existing relationship with Per Mertersacker and Mesut Özil would be another huge positive for Löw, but there is no guarantee that his new squad would provide him with an easy managerial life in the same way that his national side habitually does.

A private split in the Arsenal camp is inevitable when Wenger leaves the club and the incoming onslaught of psychological agitation will require a man with the ability to stabilise, rather than build from the ground up or simply inherit a high-quality side.

OUTSIDERS

Roberto Mancini

In November 2014, Mancini spoke to the British press, stating in no uncertain terms that he would like the Arsenal job. However, in April this year Mancini refuted claims of an imminent move to North London, with a response that represented a complete U-turn in Mancini’s outlook.

Naturally, this change has stemmed from the inescapable fact that Mancini has steadied a sinking ship at Inter Milan. Ironically though, it is this ability that could provide Mancini’s competitive edge for the Arsenal role.

Indeed, the Gunners find themselves in a similar situation to the one that was faced by Inter during the Walter Mazzarri era, in which a formerly unstoppable force was quickly falling behind its immediate rivals.

Mancini is also currently available at 12s.

Jose Mourinho

Like Löw, Mourinho’s reputation precedes him, but he would represent a huge gamble by the Arsenal board after Chelsea’s inexplicable fall from grace in 2015/16. His expertise with Champions League budgets is the only Unique Selling Point that the former “Special One” requires, and it automatically places him in proximity to the frontrunners.

Despite this, losing a title-winning dressing room is always a huge black mark on any CV, and the once infallible Mourinho is no longer football’s hottest property but he can still be backed at a tempting average of 14/1.

Diego Simeone

Averaging at 20s but currently available for as little as 16/1, appointing Simone would be the ultimate statement as far as Arsenal are concerned.

Simeone has earned yet another Champions League showdown with local rivals Real Madrid just two years after being linked with the Manchester United job. After lifting the Spanish capital’s underdogs Atletico Madrid almost to the status of Real’s equals, restoring the ‘traditional’ balance of power in North London would be a proverbial stroll in comparison, even if European glory is not immediate.

It is unclear as to whether or not Simeone would consider Arsenal a step down from Atletico Madrid, but one thing is absolutely certain – he is the best chance Arsenal Football Club has of acquiring a manager with the ability to bring the Champions League trophy to North London once and for all.

THE LONG SHOT

Jorge Sampaoli

Currently at around 25/1, former Chile international manager and Lazio target Sampaoli is arguably the last of the feasible names before the list begins to resemble the cast of Dallas.

An existing relationship with Chilean superstar Alexis Sanchez is a potentially useful link between Arsenal and Sampaoli, but the 56-year old has never managed a club in Europe, let alone one which aspires to challenge for the very highest of honours every year without fail.

His appointment would not be made lightly, nor would it be without a degree of risk, but Sampaoli has undeniably gained admirers for his championing of uncompromising attacking displays at every club he has managed.

For the latest developments in key Football markets, visit Matchbook. All prices stated are subject to significant fluctuation.

rico

68 thoughts on “Next Arsenal Manager – A Neutral Perspective and Key Tips…”

  9. potter says:

    Kind of sad really though that our only source of satisfaction is related to their suffering . It should have been much more. I can’t ever see Wenger leaving on his own volition , he is too tied in and way too close to know when to step aside. BTW I was being facetious when I said that the penny had dropped.

  15. Wavy says:

    My thumbs aren’t what they were, quick, certain and sure! Like wengers! His like Neeo’s always point south! His decision making is now very poor. Will the Ema self combust? A la Rome and will he be found among the embers?
    More pertinently, will he have any say in who succeeds him and if so how much? His judgement is not to be relied upon, you know!
    I’m fairly sure that of worthies mentioned above none of them will find gainful employment in Islington!
    Sad but probably true.

  17. bradster says:

    I’m amazed that Torres didn’t make a call up. His form the last few months has been superb. I understand Adruiz, he’s been slotting them in for years.

  18. allezkev says:

    Afternoon All

    Afternoon Rico

    What a great post Rico, I read it three times, definately one of your best ?

  20. potter says:

    How many of our players are involved in international duty this summer ? Any stats men out there ? I believe it’s not as many as usual.

  23. goonster says:

    Fantastic piece rico but sorry none of the above cut it imho. If we want to move to the next level it has to be unai emery massimo allegri or rui vitoria. I ll love Simeon more than anyone else but he won’t come here. He’s destined for barca or Madrid. As for the Dutch guys in the mix there are all shit take it from a Dutch man. I ll rather have Phillip cocu.

  30. Le Coq Monster says:

    Afternoon St Totteringham Day celebrators 😀

    I like Klopp, Pep, but seeing as they are gone I`d take a gamble on Koeman as he has taken Southampton to a higher level than the Spud Argie and losing so many players sold as well !
    Simeone would be a brilliant manager, but if you love beautiful football then you would have to kiss that goodbye, but it would probably be at the cost of trophies !.
    Talking of Simeone……….he nearly gave me a bad turn just now !………….I always look on Arsenal newsnow as a first call of port to see who we are going to buy and the first gossip I see was….” Gladbach: Simeone has actually bid on Granit Xhaka “…….then with further inspection realised it said…..” Someone has actually bid on Granit Xhaka” !

  32. Le Coq Monster says:

    £1.4M Rico !?……………………that`s probably the amount we got extra for pushing the Spuds into their usual place below us !……………….you know Wenger, he wont go a penny above his own valuation !.

  35. Le Coq Monster says:

    To tell the truth Rico, I have absolutely no idea what kind of player GX is and who`s place he takes in the team ?
    I shall try and look on scoutnation for a vid`

    Still on a high from St Totteringham`s Day !………………..I know you HHers are intelligent academics so here`s an intelligent (joke)fact !……………………

    How many Totnumb supporters does it take to change a light bulb ?…………….well, It`s totally irrelevant !.
    Arsenal`s shadow is more dense than a black hole !.
    Arsenal`s shadow is a place where ordinary shadows have become so extreme that it overwhelms all other forces in the universe. Once inside, nothing can escape Arsenal`s shadow……….not even light !

  36. Micko says:

    rico, 300 smackers to get my bushes cut today, it’s like throwing money down the drain, got some quotes last month for a fence……4000 quid ! Can’t bloody win.

    Le Coq, why would you want a light bulb if you lived under a rock anyway……I don’t get it.

  37. potter says:

    Micko it’s the way of the world , every tradesman you approach sees any job as Christmas , New Year and Bonfire night . It’s as if they want never to have to work again for a couple of months after finishing the job.

  38. tsgh says:

    Goonie did you see Kramer has not made the Mannscraft squad but Weigl has made the squad.
    I wonder who Low will go with? Schweinsteiger or Khedira as Kroos in my view is an automatic starter when fit.

    I would prefer Weigl to partner Kroos myself…

  39. tsgh says:

    Isn’t AW on holiday before he starts his Bein TV duties as a pundit?

    Kramer failed to make the squad; good time to put in abid for him instead of the 2 loan inquiries made previously.

    I am surprised Draxler is not making the news anymore; he had a solid season

  41. Micko says:

    I know Potter, the way I look at it is in 13 years time I will have almost paid for the ruddy fence what with the cost of the bushes every year lol.

  44. Micko says:

    tsgh, stall the digger mate, I’m still working on yesterdays equation for gawd’s sake !

  45. Joaquim Moreira says:

    we have more players involved in international duty this summer: the south-americans players
    If Brexit win, we have problems with Coquelin and Bellerin

  46. Micko says:

    Any sightings of your spuddie neighbour rico or has he/she come down with a sudden dose of alektorophobia over the last couple of days by any chance.

  48. rico says:

    I have two local who follow that lot and one usually collects the eggs on a Friday. Tuesday night and still no sign… 😉 😉

  50. potter says:

    Brexit will not affect existing contracts , it is not as if we will walk out the door on day 1. At least two / 3 years to get things sorted . It’s the next generation that will be important and how will leagues in Europe survive without Premier League cash injections for their middle to not too good players. They need us as much as we might need them , any way once we have gone chances are that the whole pack of cards might start crumbling when the Greek and Spanish people begin to realise how their entry deals have run out and now the repayments are due is affecting the euro in their pockets.

  51. Merlin96 says:

    Hi Rico, it is nice to return for some friendly banter.
    I always get emotional and plenty of knee jerk reaction “Wenger RAUS!” whenever we lost a game, and I think we were top of the league for 4 occasions and managed to snatch defeat from Jaws of Victory.

    The most sickening part is that 2015/16 is the best chance we had even to win the league since 2007/08 where we were 5 points ahead even after that dreadful 2-2 draw at St. Andrews.

    Anyway, water beneath the bridge and I must say, it is an excellent write. Good job.

    But what is the odds of Arsene Wenger signing that 2-year contract extension?
    Fait accompli? 😀

    Arsene Wenger had never broken a contract (okay, he left 8 months earlier with Grampus 8 blessing) and will honour his existing contract to build his 4th Arsenal team.

    The key point we should not is that his daughter Lea will be graduating in 2017. Will Wenger and Lea decided that they need to return to France to get on with their life?

    If Arsene Wenger decided to put family first, we are seeing his farewell season and all the best to him as he had sacrificed his marriage with his obsession with Arsenal FC.

    Arsene Wenger always maintained that when he leave Arsenal FC, he will leave behind a firm foundation for the next manager to carry on and he will leave Arsenal FC if he felt that:
    1 – He can no longer carry Arsenal FC to the next level;
    2 – The dressing room no longer play for him.

    Arsenal FC is now in a stage of instability with Arsene Wenger as the primary actor. No matter what he said being “professional”, new signings and contract extensions will always bear in mind that Arsene Wenger may not be around after summer 2017.

    Arsene Wenger is an iconic figure who can persuade marquee players like Alexis and Ozil to sign for Arsenal FC on a socialist salary scale, plus legion of loyal youngsters who joined Arsenal FC knowing Arsene Wenger will develop them.

    Certainly after July 2017, Arsene Wenger is intelligent to realise he is the primary focus on the future of Arsenal FC and the greatest cause of instability and uncertainty due to his contract situation. I believe he signed his last contract extension early to avoid this kind of uncertainty we are experiencing now.

    My take is that if Silent Stan is sincere to back him with cash to spend and Arsene Wenger has a free hand to spend on the players he wanted to buy, Arsene Wenger will certainly sign that 2-year contract extension.

    A compromise will be a 2-year rolling contract with each party can opt all every season end review. “win-win” for all with Arsenal FC as the biggest winner with stability and uncertainty gone and we can all concentrate to build a team to win 2016/17 title.

    Goodnight all!

  52. Lee says:

    **URGENT PUBLIC APPEAL**

    Police have confirmed that concerns are growing over missing Tottenham fans that haven’t been seen or heard since around 6pm on Sunday 15th May. Friends and family of the missing individuals have reached out asking those in question to get in touch, either with a call or a simple text message to let them know that they are ok. If you have any information on these missing mugs, please contact the missing mugs helpline on 0800 5-1 5-1 5-1.

    Thanks in advance

    #SDCC

  59. rico says:

    Morning Adam

    The prices for players has gone mad, but I guess with all the TV money being thrown around, they were always going to increase…

  61. Le Coq Monster says:

    Morning double H.

    That`s it Rico…..the TV money !…………..If we want to be serious then we are going to have to pay in excess of £50M for a top striker.
    I`ve watched Morata and his style/running etc` remind me of Van Judas….the good bits !.

  66. Le Coq Monster says:

    I dont know Rico, surely as an intelligent man he must look at market trends, forces and realise there is a current going rate…………I mean if he was looking at a property in London he wouldn`t expect to by a million pound house for half the price !…….I`ve a feeling he will buy at the going rate as he knows everyone else can afford to pay the money and he must also know that ManU, Chavs (and maybe Bindippers) will not have the distraction of CL next season and they will spend so if anything thje EPL will be harder to win next seaon and if he couldn`t do it with the curren strike force this past season then what hope has he next season ?………….he has to buy !.

  67. rico says:

    Tbh LC, I too have a hunch he’s going to do something this summer, his comments about Kroenke never stopping him spend kind of gives me that hope because if he doesn’t, by telling the world what he did, he’d have been very very stupid…

Leave your comment.

Discover more from Highbury House

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading