While almost all of Arsenal think it is time Arsene Wenger should step down from the helm, very few are of the opinion that the 67-year-old still has the mileage to continue. And although it is the minority who won at the end with the manager signing a two-year contract extension, the manager is definitely under more pressure than ever to perform now.
Arsenal’s pathetic domestic campaign had more or less sealed his fate but the surprise FA Cup win over Chelsea turned things around. The yearly tradition rerun itself as Arsenal made a late comeback (this time way too late!) after a huge midseason slump. However, the air around Emirates is changing. Arsenal are no more under debt and the club is now declared as one of the most successful sides to be run in profit at the moment.
If Wenger continues his frugal-mindedness even into the next season, he is sure to face dire consequences. But, if there is any manager who is ideal to be in charge of this club as of now, it has to be the Frenchman. And here are three reasons why him staying has some positives too-
Eye for the most unusual talents- No one can deny Wenger’s ability to identify raw talents. During his time at Arsenal in the past 21 years, he has nurtured some of the best talents in the world and he continues to do so. Any club getting someone like Rob Holding for a meagre £2 million, or snapping a 16-year-old Bellerin from Barcelona’s academy, would celebrate their manager. It is not every day that someone sells a Nicolas Anelka to Real Madrid for £22.5m, and with that amount builds a training ground and buy a certain Thierry Henry.
Arsene Wenger is Arsenal- Yes, it is a hackneyed phrase and many have even spoken against it claiming that the club has a historical stature even before Wenger came. But, as of now, Wenger personifies the club; and not only his good things but bad things too. The North London side’s philosophy, style of play, stature have all been shaped by Wenger, and it is for him that the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil chose their next destination in Arsenal after Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. Sead Kolasinac would be the latest example.
He knows how to win- It was he who delivered Arsenal the ‘Invincibles’ season, and no matter how many big bosses like Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho, Carlos Ancelotti or Pep Guardiola comes to Premier League, achieving that feat is near impossible with the immense competition the teams go through now.
And winning the FA Cup thrice in the last four years is no ordinary feat either. With the right team, he can win the title once again and he deserves that chance for sure.
