According to Marca, as cited by Sky Sports, Arsenal have joined Everton in the pursuit of Marcelino. The Spanish trainer has been identified as a potential candidate to replace Unai Emery at the Emirates, though the Gunners are also considering various other options. Marcelino is currently a free agent but is he a wise choice by Arsenal?
Marcelino’s managerial career so far
Marcelino has been coaching on a professional level for over 15 years. But, he is best known for his spell at Villarreal from 2013 to 2016. He achieved immense success with the Yellow Submarines after he managed to guide them to a top-six finish. The club enjoyed steady growth under the Spaniard and also took part in the UEFA Champions League once.
Marcelino’s departure saw Villarreal return to mediocrity, with the club languishing in the lower half of the league table over the past couple of seasons. As for the coach, himself, he moved to Valencia in 2017, where he also enjoyed a good spell. He helped the club attain two back to back Champions League finishes while ending their trophy drought by winning the Copa Del Rey.
However, Marcelino was sacked by Valencia in September due to a disagreement with the owners. As a result, the Spaniard is now once again a free agent. He would, no doubt, be keen to embark on a new adventure, having managed the entirety of his career in his native Spain.
What can he offer to Arsenal?
Marcelino is known for his rigid tactics that efficiently brings the best out of his players. He usually prefers a 4-4-2 shape with two banks of four, making his side more compact during defensive phases. The central midfielders have generally got contrasting roles, which could suit well at Arsenal as they have the likes of Matteo Guendouzi and Dani Ceballos.
Going forward, Marcelino advises his wingers to shift into a more central area, allowing the fullbacks to make overlapping runs and put additional pressure to the opposition. It is ideally suited to the Arsenal side as both Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney can help Marcelino execute that plan quite efficiently.
However, the Gunners must make sure that the 54-year-old can speak English. It was Unai Emery’s lack of proficiency in the language that prevented him from getting his idea across to the players with full transparency. The same thing could happen to Marcelino as well, who is yet to manage outside Spain.
The north London giants should also brace themselves for a slow and steady improvement as Marcelino will time be adjust himself to the intense nature of Premier League football. But, in hindsight, the Spaniard is not a bad option at all, as the Gunners seek to find a viable replacement for Emery.
