Life after Wenger
After 22 years at the club, winning 17 trophies and becoming the longest serving manager in the Premier League, the time is coming. Wenger has managed to build a club from its roots and bring glory along with it. From the Invincibles team to the most FA cup trophies won ever, Wenger’s career at Arsenal will never be forgotten.
But just like in every sport, be it from a playing or a managerial perspective, there’s a certain point where it’s better to stop rather than keep going. I take a look at the best candidates who can replace Arsene Wenger’s attacking style of football while bringing something new and exciting to the club.
Joachim Löw
The famous ‘Jogi’ took over Die Mannschaft in 2006. and hasn’t looked back since. Producing one of the most exciting young Germany teams ever, his pinnacle came in 2014. when he won the World Cup in a thrilling victory over Messi-led Argentina. His teams play quick, intricate football while keeping possesion and positional discipline when defending. Löw’s record of 2.21 points per game in 158 matches with Germany shows consistency at the highest level, with his team looking to grab another WC glory in Russia this year. Philosophy of building around the core of the team with upcoming talents is what Arsenal tend to achieve ever since Wenger took over. Not to mention that Özil’s game would hit new heights under Löw’s reign. Özil’s record for Germany is nothing short of incredible with 62G+A in 88 games and 5 German POTY awards to go with it. With Arsenal in desperate need of a reshuffle Löw would be perfect for the job of rebuilding the team around the playmaker.
Thomas Tuchel
German Cup winner with Borussia and Guardiola’s advised #1 replacement after his departure at Bayern. Tuchel’s counter pressing, tactical flexibility and attacking style gave Borussia new found identity when he took over. The German isn’t afraid to give young players a platform to succeed with Weigl, Dembele and Pulisic all taking central stage in his setup. With Arsenal securing both Mkhitaryan and Aubameyang, Tuchel would have all the tools necessary to replicate their outstanding Borussia form. Over the course of 15/16 season Aubameyang managed to score 40 times while assisting for 7 more. His partner had an even more impressive year, scoring 19 goals and assisting 24 more, which led to a Bundesliga POTY award. With a deep lying midfield presence being key to Tuchel’s plans he could possibly revive Xhaka’s career and bring him back on track. However a move for Tuchel would be unlikely due to a fallout with the current Arsenal and former Borussia head scout Sven Mislintat.
Mikel Arteta
Former Arsenal captain and an FA Cup winner who spent 6 years at the club is currently serving as Guardiola’s #2 at Manchester City. Highly respected by Pep, he was the first addition he made to the coaching staff. Still only 35, Mikel would surely take the opportunity of coaching the club he still has an emotional connection with if the opportunity came. Guardiola openly admitted Arteta played a key role in Raheem Sterling’s development by working extra hours with the attacker. The signs are encouraging but we’re yet to see if Mikel is capable of leading a club as a manager. Many have done it before and there would certainly be an element of risk involved but with Wenger’s approval and the board’s backing anything is possible. Arteta is familiar with Arsenal’s philosophy and the time with City will only give him more insight and knowledge for his next adventure, whether it is with Arsenal or someone else.
Tacticomotion 