3 managers Arsenal should target but won’t
The question on everyone’s mind, who should be the next Arsenal manager?
After a dismal start to the 2019/20 Premier League season, Arsenal parted ways with Unai Emery. The Gunners had roped in Emery as Arsene Wenger’s replacement ahead of the start of the previous season, but following a positive beginning, things quickly unravelled at the Emirates.
A disappointing end to the previous season saw the Gunners miss out on Champions League football once again, and their problems have only mounted in the new season, as they find themselves in ninth place, 22 points behind the league leaders Liverpool and winless in their last seven games.
A string of poor results resulted in Emery getting the sack and Freddie Ljungberg will now take charge of the Gunners on a temporary basis as the board begin their search for a new manager.
Here are 3 managers Arsenal should target but won’t:
#1 Mauricio Pochettino
Pochettino’s arrival at Tottenham coincided with a drastic upturn in the club’s fortunes. In the Argentine’s first season in charge, back in 2014/15, Spurs reached the final of the League Cup and also managed a fifth-place finish in the league.
They continued to impress over the course of the next few seasons, managing four consecutive top-four finished, and reaching the final of the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.
During his tenure as head coach, Pochettino also ensured the integration of several youth team players into the first team, including the likes of Harry Winks and Harry Kane who are set to be the future of the club.
Despite being sacked by Spurs following a poor start to the current season, Pochettino remains one of the finest managers available in the market, although his ties with Arsenal’s biggest rivals may ensure he is never approached for the vacant head coach role.
#2 Rafael Benitez
Rafa Benitez is one of the most successful managers in the modern game. The Spaniard is currently the manager of Dalian Yifang in the Chinese Super League, but he could be tempted by a return to the Premier League.
During his time in Europe, he won a host of trophies with the likes of Inter Milan, Valencia, Napoli, Chelsea and Liverpool, including La Liga, Champions League, FA Cup and the Europa League among others.
A tactical genius, Benitez would be the ideal candidate to help solve Arsenal’s defensive issues and steady their sinking ship, but it’s unlikely the Gunners will push to sign the Spaniard. However, if approached, there is a good chance of him becoming the next Arsenal manager.
#3 Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel replaced Emery at PSG in 2018 and he could do the same at Arsenal this time around. Tuchel shot into the spotlight during his time with Borussia Dortmund and despite winning only one trophy – the DFB Pokal – during his two years at the club, he still remains highly regarded in Germany.
Tuchel has enjoyed some success at PSG as well, winning the Ligue 1 and Trophee des Champions in his first season in charge. His brand of quick-paced, attacking football will also go down well with Arsenal fans, who have grown frustrated with the Gunners’ directionless and static play during the Unai Emery era.
Whether Tuchel is willing to make the step down from PSG remains to be seen.
