As Arsenal prepares for life without Arsene Wenger, a litany of names including the usual suspects are thrown into the mix for the hot seat. While the club still maintains it is can rub shoulders with the giants of European football – in terms of stature, at least – are the favourites for the role a better representation of where we are as a club?
It appears so. While there are some pretty big names out there in European football management, it is hard to determine the right man for the job. Among the odds and betting information for all Premier League games sits a number of potential candidates for the role which has become synonymous with Mr Wenger. Can we be excused from feeling slightly unexcited?
Zelkjo Buvac
At present, it appears that Liverpool assistant manager Zelkjo Buvac is the bookmakers’ favourite. The Bosnian has long been credited as majorly instrumental in the way Liverpool have played this season. The Anfield outfit have won plaudits with their all-action game, scoring a serious amount of goals and bringing a sense of pride to the Merseyside faithful.
Buvac also worked with Arsenal head of recruitment Sven Mislintat while at Borussia Dortmund, so there is a connection there. The problem is that he has never experienced life in the hot seat, so there are questions surrounding his ability to deal with the other things which come as a number 1, such as media pressure and the responsibility. Having come out of nowhere, he is now practically the favourite with all bookies.
Massimiliano Allegri
The Juventus boss may be a little behind Buvac in the bookmaker’s odds, but is favoured with many Arsenal fans. Allegri has worked wonders with Juventus, turning them from a strong side into a major player in Europe. This season wasn’t his best, but it still looks like he will be set to get his hands on a fourth Serie A title.
This is the calibre of manager we want at The Emirates. He has brought Juve to the Champion’s League final on two occasions, and his man-management is second to none. If the rumours of him taking English lessons are to be believed, I think it will be the impressive Italian who will land the job. Attracting a manager like this to our club is what we need for the new era.
Luis Enrique
According to reports, Enrique is favoured by some of the Arsenal board for his work at Barcelona. This may be surprising to many, but I doubt Enrique’s style would be a good fit in the EPL. You could pretty much put anyone in charge of that Barcelona team and see results, given the players, coaches, and general set up the Catalans have.
There will be that connection between Arsenal and Barcelona – in terms of the football we both play – but it is difficult to see a seamless transition. While Enrique is a quality coach, Allegri seems the right man for the job.
