Country: England
https://theathletic.com/news/Arsenal-academy-Marcel-Lucassen-latest/Z0RvarAaEzMR
Arsenal’s head of coach and player development, Marcel Lucassen, is to leave the club, reveal Art de Roche and James McNicholas. Lucassen has been in the role since June 2018.
What was Lucassen’s job at Arsenal?
Academy manager Per Mertesacker played an integral role in his arrival having become familiar with his work with the German national team between 2008 and 2015.
The Dutchman brought the technical expertise Mertesacker was looking to instil in the club at the time.
Why has this decision been made?
The decision was made by Lucassen himself as he has resigned for personal family reasons.
Will they replace him?
Lucassen’s responsibilities will be taken on by Luke Hobbs as Head of Academy Coaching. This will cover recruitment and development.
Hobbs is no stranger to the club, taking charge of Football Operations at Hale End in July 2013.
He also had a spell as interim Academy Manager following the departure of Andries Jonker to Wolfsburg in 2017.
How does this fit into the wider restructuring?
As a personal decision from Lucassen, this won’t fit directly into the recent restructures the club have undergone.
That being said, the streamlining that has taken place over the past few months are evidence of Mikel Arteta, Edu Gaspar and Per Mertesacker’s footballing authority growing.
What was Lucassen’s job at Arsenal?
Academy manager Per Mertesacker played an integral role in his arrival having become familiar with his work with the German national team between 2008 and 2015.
The Dutchman brought the technical expertise Mertesacker was looking to instil in the club at the time.
Why has this decision been made?
The decision was made by Lucassen himself as he has resigned for personal family reasons.
Will they replace him?
Lucassen’s responsibilities will be taken on by Luke Hobbs as Head of Academy Coaching. This will cover recruitment and development.
Hobbs is no stranger to the club, taking charge of Football Operations at Hale End in July 2013.
He also had a spell as interim Academy Manager following the departure of Andries Jonker to Wolfsburg in 2017.
How does this fit into the wider restructuring?
As a personal decision from Lucassen, this won’t fit directly into the recent restructures the club have undergone.
That being said, the streamlining that has taken place over the past few months are evidence of Mikel Arteta, Edu Gaspar and Per Mertesacker’s footballing authority growing.