Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has decided to part ways with the North London club at the end of the current season. On Friday morning, Wenger announced that he will leave the Emirates Stadium, putting an end to his 22-year stay with the Gunners. The Frenchman is currently the Premier League’s longest-serving manager and will go down in the history books as one of the most successful coaches in English football.
In a recent interview, Arsene Wenger made the shock announcement and was quoted to have said,
“After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season,”
“I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years.
“I managed the club with full commitment and integrity.
“I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special.
“I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high. To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club.
“My love and support forever.”
Arsenal have also disclosed that they will “make an appointment as soon as possible”, but are not ready to make any further statement on the matter at this moment in time.
With Wenger set to depart the North Londoners at the end of the campaign, let’s take a look at three potential candidates who could succeed him at Arsenal.
Carlo Ancelotti
The Italian manager can be considered as one of the most respected managers in world football after successful spells at Bayern Munich, Chelsea, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid during the course of his long managerial career. He also has the honour of having the record of being the most successful manager of the Champions League era, having won the prestigious European cup three times so far. The 58-year-old will be the perfect candidate to replace Wenger at the North London club.
Brendan Rodgers
The Celtic manager has previously managed in the Premier League during his time at Swansea City and Liverpool respectively. He will be an ideal long-term solution to Arsenal’s problems which makes him a leading candidate to succeed Wenger at the Emirates Stadium. The Northern Irishman has taken charge of 114 matches for the Hoops so far, winning 82, drawing 18 and losing 14 of those matches with an impressive PPM (Points Per Match) average of 2.32 (According to Transfermrkt).
Thomas Tuchel
The former Borussia Dortmund manager is currently available and could be a shrewd appointment for the Gunners. However, he is still inexperienced in English football, unlike the other aforementioned managers and could be a gamble. At 44, he will be a long-term appointment and has the potential to build a dynasty in North London.
