Three managers to replace Wenger at Arsenal
“Are you saying Boo? Or Boo-urns?” is the question Arsene Wenger is regularly asking recently. The Arsenal boss has come under increased scrutiny over the past few weeks following a number of below par performances and cup exits – it’s surely too much an ask to win in Munich, right? – that will leave the Gunners trophy less for their eighth consecutive season.
As such, many an Arsenal supporter has called for the board to wield their axe and, having given the Frenchman his dues, give him the sack. But, who would the north London side appoint in his place? Who would be the next man to take over the reins at the Emirates Stadium? These three would surely want a crack at the job.
Zdenek Zeman – Unattached
The ultimate Gung ho manager, Zeman has been out of work since his sacking from AS Roma earlier this month and, as of yet, hasn’t been approached by teams across the continent as to his availability.
Fired following a poor 4-2 home defeat to Cagliari in Serie A, the Czech manager continues to hold a special place in the hearts of football fans across the continent due to his attacking approach to the game, very much boasting a ‘You score four, we’ll score five’ mantra.
At the time of his sacking, Roma were the highest scoring team in Serie A and had conceded the second highest across the season and with Arsenal’s less than watertight defence, but potent attack, Zeman could be the man to make the north London club fun to watch, attacking wise, once again.
Manuel Pellegrini – Malaga
The former Real Madrid head coach has been impressing for Malaga ever since taking over the La Liga side in 2010 and continues to earn his plaudits from his peers. With Los Boquerones currently sitting in third in the Primera Division, Pellegrini is a manager currently in high demand.
Manchester City, Chelsea and Roma have all, reportedly, enquired as to his availability, but Arsenal should be pressing to appoint the Chilean, should Wenger be sacked. Both managers share a similar philosophy when it comes football and it’s long been mooted that Pellegrini would replace the Frenchman at the Emirates at one point or another.
Leaving big spending Malaga may not be feasible, especially with Arsenal seemingly unwilling to dip into the coffers to invest, but with the La Liga side unable to participate in European competition over the next four years; a move to the Premier League is a possibility.
Marcelo Bielsa – Athletic Bilbao
‘El Loco’ could well be out of work come the summer with the Basque side languishing perilously close to the relegation zone. Regardless of the poor form of Athletic this season, Bielsa is one man that continues to earn his plaudits through his innovative ways of managing.
Adopting a 3-3-1-3 has only added to the long list of admirers, many of whom are prepared to celebrate Bielsa Day on March 3rd – 3/3/13. The attacking mentality would only benefit Arsenal as they looked to bring back the creative verve that has deserted them in recent years.
However, if he is to make the formation would, investment would be a necessity with the Gunners not possessing the required personnel to bring Bielsa’s dream to life. Yet, with the club linked with a move for Fernando Amorebieta, he could be the first to arrive that would transform the north London club to match the Argentine’s vision.
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