Who will replace Wenger when he decides that he's too old for the job or he gets sacked? I dunno why people keep saying Pep Guardiola, he's a great coach but IDK why he would want to leave Barca. Unless he was sacked, in which case, would we want him. Put simply, if Wenger decided to quit today, who would you replace him with?
Stevie Bould.... If Pep can do it, then Stevie can can do it! I hope he does not come aboard and become AW's assistant, he needs to start on a clean(ish) slate!
I wanted Villa-Boas before he went to Chelsea. Now I'd be keen on Paul Lambert, if he can deal with the big egos. He seems an extremly capable manager - taken Norwich from the bottom of League One to the Premiership in 2 years with back-to-back promotions. He's untested tho at the highest level, would be a big gamble. But there's no-one out there that I'd favour instead to bring the right football and couple it with success.
It's horrible to say as i detest the man. But with the technical skill of our team and the large amounts of cash that will be available for transfers (should a manager choose to spend it), Mourinho would probably do an amazing job. I'd expect him to win the league (although in a more efficient defensive setup, not as interestign as our current brand of football) and probably several other trophies as well. Would hate having to support him but he would do a job. Pep is a good choice i think. He sets his sights on plaeyrs and is very decisive about who he wants. He is also very respectful and understands the beautiful game. I believe he has already said he plans to mvoe away from Barca at some point to test his ability elsewhere. Arsenal would be the perfect team for him if he chose to come to the EPL. For now though i'm quite happy with AW at the helm.
Personally I don't see Guardiola as unrealistic for you guys. He's always said that he's not wanting to stay at Barcelona for longer than 3 more years as he finds himself getting bored and stale otherwise, and let's face it, your style of football is as close to Barcelona's as it can get in World Football. If you were looking for a British manager, i wouldn't be suprised to see your club go for Coyle.
In discussions of late, some folk have gone for Carlo Ancelotti and of course Pep. Pep as I think Piskie may have said is due to leave Barca in a couple of years. They do not tend to keep their managers very long, irrespective of achievements..... Then there is Guus Hiddink. I would like to see Steve Bould at some point. Is he ready for it though? Then again, how could it be any worse?!!!!!! I'm pretty sure we would have a solid back four and decisions would be taken a lot more quickly. Dennis Bergkamp is a personal favourite too. There is a time when things move on. When Arsene came to us, he brought his techniques and tactics including sports science and was ahead of the game. Had all gone to plan, I think the youth policy may have worked with some modifications like bringing in some experience where necessary to steady the nerves. Sadly this has not come to be and I would rather see Arsene either succeed and very quickly because he has very little time or keep his reputation and legacy intact. It would be a shame were he to leave because of a failure to deliver, perceived or otherwise.
It would appear to me that Pep is even the logical replacement for our club and also for his career. Would not be at all suprised if Arsenal was his next stop after Barca and it came at a time when AW retires or moves on.
Why does everyone rate Pep ? Look at the team at his disposal - only a pleb couldn't win things with them. Even that chump Aragones won things with what was essentially Barcelona .. with Spain. Good shout for Owen Coyle, a likeable fellow who's teams play attractive football, yeah why not. Not interested in Ancelotti, I don't rate him. Wouldn't want Capello although he'd sort out our defence and he is no nonsense. Ericsson is too soft and woolly, shouts for Bergkamp and Bould although untested. Tony Adams made a Horlicks of management.
Mourinho is talented , but Chelsea lost 140 mil when he won his 1st title there and Inter Milan 127 mil Euros when they won the CL albeit for the 1st time in years. I like to see him win something with a club, who want to balance the books like Arsenal. Porto won the CL by beating Man Utd ( a good side, but not their best team), Lyon, Deportivo and Monaco from the last 16. A worthy achievement, but the last 3 teams there would not scare me.
Balancing the books and having that sustainable model is laudible. It's a good long term strategy but at times you have to be adaptable. No one is asking for the management to take us into a financially distressing position but when there is money to be spent and there is a need to spend it, please just do so and wisely. Looking to save a few pennies by comparison and losing out on opportunities, hence pounds in the long run is simply poor management. The problem at Arsenal from what I can gather is that Arsene is now in a position that hardly anyone there can tell him what to do or draw him into a meaningful heart to heart, the way David Dein used to be able to do. What our American owner makes of this or is able to do about it is something I don't think anyone knows just yet.
After Wenger leaves we'd be perfect for someone like Mourinho, the debt paid off and we'd have millions and millions there to spend to add to what should be a great team!
God. Mourinho??! **** No! Pep Guardiola, Hiddink, Reijkaard, Ottmar Hitzfeld would all be decent. Jürgen Klopp would be a quality choice. He's managed to do exactly what Wenger has been trying to do in recent years. He's built a great young squad with attacking flair (on a budget) and won trophies with them. Dortmund will be the suprise package in this years Champions League.
