In a column for Sky Sports, Paul Merson has revealed his concerns over Mikel Arteta potentially taking the reins at Arsenal.
What did he say?
Following the sacking of Unai Emery a few weeks ago, the Gunners have had Invincibles hero Freddie Ljungberg in charge on an interim basis. However, the Swede has failed to inspire a significant turnaround in performances or results, with Sunday afternoon’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City a particularly chastening experience.
Reports in recent days have suggested the Gunners have accelerated talks with current City assistant Arteta over replacing Emery on a permanent basis, but Merson has aired his reservations over that being the case.
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He said: “This is a big, big gamble putting someone that has never managed before in charge of a club the size of Arsenal. It’s all well and good saying he’s worked under Pep Guardiola, but let’s be honest, Guardiola would struggle managing this Arsenal team. You’re only as good as your players at the end of the day and the idea of Arteta replicating Guardiola’s style of football at the Emirates just falls apart when you look at the players he’ll be working with.
“To ask someone with no managerial experience to take charge in the current circumstances at Arsenal is a big ask. But there are also massive question marks over his credentials, massive questions. It’s all about where you start in management, where you cut your teeth. As far as I’m concerned you don’t start at one of the biggest clubs in Europe. I want to know who is upstairs at Arsenal saying this is a good appointment. From the club’s perspective, it’s clueless.”
Gamble
As Merson suggests, appointing Arteta on the back of him simply being a fine coach under Guardiola is certainly a gamble. But with the way the season is panning out for the Gunners, it’s a risk worth taking. The north London side look well short of contention for qualification to the Champions League, and with it being mid-season, the next few months could well be seen as a chance for an extended pre-season.
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Arteta can get to know the players without the pressure of needing to achieve Champions League qualification, and in the summer (or even in January), he can look to bring in some of the players he wants. It’s a gamble, but one that may be in Arsenal’s best interests.
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans have hammered this ace after his performance against Manchester City.