Five Arsene Wenger replacements at Arsenal after quit hint
Published:
Lee Gormley | October 16, 2015
Arsene Wenger drops subtle retirement hint
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is currently the longest serving manager in the Premier League, after Sir Alex Ferguson retired from rivals Manchester United in 2013, but the Frenchman has recently dropped his strongest hint yet that he could soon be preparing to leave himself.
During a recent press conference, the Gunners coach of 19 years, launched a passionate defence of the club’s transfer policy and previous Champions League record, as well as admitting he is planning for when he leaves his post.
The Frenchman’s current contract at the Emirates is set to expire at the end of next season in 2017, with Arsenal 9/4 from Coral to lift the Premier League title this term, and cagily hinted that he could walk away upon his present deal expiring.
“I am resolute to commit absolutely everything until the last day of my contract to bring back big success to this club,” stated Wenger.
“And I want to leave one day in a position where it can do even better when I leave.
“That is for me very important that I leave the club in the shape that the guy who comes after me can do better.”
Pep Guardiola
Having successfully graced the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich after a triumphant spell with Barcelona, Guardiola is hot managerial property, with the likes of Manchester United, their local city rivals and the Gunners having been linked with him for quite some time.
After Wenger’s earlier subtle hint, would the Spaniard be tempted to finally embrace a role within the Premier League?
Guardiola mastered La Liga with the Catalan giants and the Bundesliga with his current employers Bayern with his exciting attacking philosophy, but Arsenal could surely benefit from his proven methods after Wenger departs.
Laurent Blanc
The current Arsenal boss’ fellow countryman Blanc has become one of the brightest managers in Europe, having guided PSG to sustained success in recent campaigns, with three consecutive Ligue 1 titles.
Wenger arrived in London in 1996 following a previous spell in France himself with Monaco, so could history repeat itself in the coming years? Blanc has proved he has the credentials to win league crowns and what better club to emulate that former success with than the Gunners?
Slaven Bilic
West Ham United have hit the ground running this season under the watchful guidance of confident new coach Bilic, as the former Croatia manager continues to build his managerial reputation.
If this colourful top-flight character maintains his impressive run with the Hammers, he could eventually be replacing Wenger in that famous north London dug-out in seasons to come, with his exuberant manner and attacking style worthy of a top European club.
Diego Simeone
The language barrier proved to be no boundary for current Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino during his time with Southampton, having enjoyed an impressive spell with the south coast club.
Atletico Madrid’s highly-driven Argentine Simeone would have to overcome a similar obstacle if he was to eventually grace the Premier League, though his astute tactical awareness and passionate approach would surely see him flourish. Could he be the man to replace Wenger in the long-term?
Thierry Henry
When club heroes return to manage their former sides, the outcome has been indifferent throughout Europe, with Guardiola and Kenny Dalglish succeeding at Barcelona and Liverpool respectively, but Filippo Inzaghi stuttering during time in charge of AC Milan more recently.
Arsenal legend Henry, who now possesses his own statue outside the Emirates, undoubtedly knows the club inside out and would instil a great sense of passion within any Gunners set-up. Although, it would be a risky appointment with such a lack of coaching experience, instead taking on a punditry role since retiring from playing.
The Gunners are 7/1 to win the FA Cup for a third consecutive campaign under Wenger but, after recent remarks, it could soon be a new man leading out the Londoners towards silverware success.
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