Arsenal are following up their dismal of Unai Emery by appointing fellow Spaniard Mikel Arteta, poaching him from under the noses of Manchester City. However, it is a risky move appointing the inexperienced 37-year-old, with tensions at The Emirates already at an acrimonious level.
Arsenal Are Playing With Fire By Appointing Mikel Arteta
Working Under Pep Guardiola Counts For Nothing, Arteta Has No Managerial Experience
Expectations are high for Mikel Arteta. His three years of working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City are a factor in the Gunners’ appointment.
However, those years now mean very little as he embarks on his role as manager. He now holds all the power, he now has to grasp the respect of the squad – the eyes are well and truly on him.
Arteta is walking into a potential poisoned chalice. His predecessor, caretaker Freddie Ljunberg, has won just one of his five games in temporary charge. The Swede is in a similar realm to Arteta: a former player, highly-regarded as a coach, yet has no managerial experience. As a result, there is a definite cause for concern as he arrives through the doors at Arsenal.
The Spaniard’s first job is one that many experienced managers may find tough to do. He has to galvanise the squad, reinstall self-belief and confidence within the squad. It is something that both his temporary and permanent predecessors have failed to do. With such a divided dressing room, it is a momentous task.
Mikel Arteta Has Earned The Job Through Being A Former Arsenal Player
The Gunners had the option of Carlo Ancelotti, a manger with vast experience and knowledge of the Premier League. They had the option to opt for Max Allegri, the former Juventus manager looking for a return to management. They even had the choice, although very unlikely, of Mauricio Pochettino, who is looking for a swift return to management.
Seemingly, though, their two main contenders for the job were both former players. While Mikel Arteta is now the Arsenal manager, the Daily Express reported that Patrick Vieira was also in contention for the role.
It clearly appears that one of the credentials for the job was somebody who had a previous link to the club. A strange credential, considering the disarray that Arsenal are currently in. Perhaps it is a move to try and win over the fans, but if it goes wrong, it could prove catastrophic.
A New Era At The Emirates
Nonetheless, in the midst of agonising caution and excited optimism, it is a new era at Arsenal. The last managerial appointment for the Gunners who had previous links to the club was George Graham, and they endured a number of successful years under his watchful eye.
Arsenal are certainly playing with fire with the appointment of Mikel Arteta. However, they are hoping that the second successor to Arsene Wenger remains longer than the first.
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