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Arsenal are entering a crucial new era following the imminent departure of long-serving boss Arsene Wenger and fans will be concerned that the Gunners could make the same mistakes as Manchester United did when Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
The Red Devils saw their legendary boss hand pick his replacement, securing former Everton boss David Moyes, and the Scottish boss endured a disastrous spell in charge at Old Trafford. While Arsenal have avoided that taking place, it seems they haven’t learned from another lesson.
In the wake of Moyes’ demise, Manchester United looked to steady the ship by appointing Dutch boss Louis Van Gaal in charge, bringing in Ryan Giggs to work alongside as his assistant – with the plan that the Welshman would take charge upon Van Gaal’s retirement.
The reality, however, proved to be different as both were cast aside to make room for Jose Mourinho in 2016, with Giggs directly involved in the frustrating period for fans that occurred during Van Gaal’s reign. Unfortunately, it seems Arsenal haven’t taken notice of that problem.
The Daily Star reports that Arsenal’s preference this summer is to bring in Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, a solid choice, but the back-up if that plan falls through is a major concern – as it’s stated in online sports betting they’ll approach Carlo Ancelotti.
That in itself is not a major issue but it’s added that the Gunners would attempt to bring in a former captain to work as Ancelotti’s assistant, in the form of Patrick Vieira or Arsene Wenger, to be moulded into the next long-term manager.
On paper it’s not an issue and may appeal for many as it would assure the future of the Gunners for the coming years but the reality is far different, as you cannot have someone working alongside the manager and lined-up to take the helms, as he’s too directly involved with the first-team affairs.
Should Ancelotti and Vieira, for example, be drafted in, what happens if it’s a complete disaster? What happens if, like Louis Van Gaal, he fails to properly inspire the supporters? Do you then move elsewhere, like United did with Mourinho, or are you forced to stick by your word and keep on course with the plan.
Arsenal are renowned for being a gentleman-like club, proud of their traditions and often true to their word, so it seems hardly likely that the Gunners would cast Vieira or indeed Arteta aside if things didn’t go accordingly under Ancelotti.
The issue then is that both would enter under a lot of pressure and, in the case of Arteta, it would raise the stakes on his first managerial post.
Arsenal’s options are therefore clear; either go with an experienced boss like Ancelotti and give him the reign to do what he likes with his coaching staff, or go directly to someone like Vieira and Arteta. Don’t have them as an understudy, as it could prove to be a disaster.
