Big Arsenal badge in case you were wondering.
Today’s post is brought to you via guest blogger, Kevin Coupland, who you can find on Twitter here @Kevin_Coupland.
Arsene’s tenure will be remembered for both the accolades and the style of football (a combination of monopolized possession and world-class combination play.) Here we break down 5 potential successors from a philosophical and tactical perspective:
Max Allegri – The Tactician
This appointment would reflect a cultural change. Allegri does follow a loose footballing philosophy however truly his strength sits with adopting his approach based on his opposition. Switching formation from 4-2-3-1 to 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 is not uncommon whilst neither is deploying players in unnatural positions (see Mandzukic as a left winger.) In terms of general team traits, Allegri does like to dominate possession (including a defence that plays out from the back and steps into midfield as required), slow probing attacks and fast-paced counter-attacks (as opportunities present themselves.) Allegri is likely to still employ a creative talent like Mesut Ozil in a free role but without defensive responsibly, with strong foundations around him to offset the imbalance. As expected from an Italian Manager, we can expect an improved defensive structure with two banks of four employed deep, at least one ball-retrieval expert in midfield and a reversion to a defensive block and counter-attacking approach when defending a lead. Allegri is the first choice for a number of Arsenal supporters given his tactical acumen, however, supporters will need to accept a less defined philosophy with an approach that changes almost weekly dependent on the opposition.
Carlo Ancelotti – The Adaptor
Ancelotti’s brilliance is that he doesn’t commit to one footballing philosophy but instead evaluates the strengths of a squad and devises a strategy accordingly. Given the makeup of the current squad, we can, therefore, expect a similar attacking approach with minor tweaks to improve efficiency (such as a reduction in possession in favour of faster transitions between the lines so to get the ball forwards more quickly.) Other common traits include attacking full backs and the deployment of several playmakers across a midfield that also includes at least one deep-lying (which could be good news for Granit Xhaka.) Whilst Ancelotti is generally considered a direct and attacking manager, he is renowned for prioritizing pragmatism over flair meaning personnel will be measured on their attacking output (goals and assists) and/or defensive contribution in what will most likely be a 4-4-2 (diamond), 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. Ancelotti’s real unique selling point is his excellent man-management and impressive good recruitment record rather than a particular philosophy or approach. It is worth nothing that Ancelotti only stays at club’s short-term, so a longer-term plan would need to be developed if he is appointed.
Joachim Loew – The All-Rounder
Joachim Loew has managed the German National Side since 2004 with limited club management experience in the year’s prior (apart from stints in Turkey, Austria and the German Lower Leagues), making him a gamble given his lack of experience in recruiting and a building a competitive club side. What is exciting is his belief that a team should contain a variety of qualities to create a well-balanced proposition rather than being restricted by one specific philosophy. This would mean an Arsenal team that contains Mesut Ozil type players with flair and creativity but also players of work-rate and discipline (Thomas Muller types) to balance the approach. Germany and Loew are well known for their high energy game which allows for an exciting high press to win the ball high (therefore the type of manager who would bring the best out of Aaron Ramsey), but also domination of possession and the ability to launch devastating counter attacks as opportunities present. Typical German efficiency dictates a strong defensive platform within his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, reverting into a compact 4-4-1-1 when defending deep (if the high press has failed), built around a well-formed centre-back partnership that contains both an aggressive commander and sweeper. Loew is likely to bring balance the balance to Arsenal that has been sorely lacking, however there is no doubting this represents a gamble given his lack of experience in club football.
Luis Enrique – The Individualist
A La Liga and Champions League winner achieved at a club renowned for playing the best football of its generation. Whilst that in itself appears compelling, the tactical approach involved a migration from Guardiolia’s tika taka football to a more direct style that relied on the individual brilliance of Messi, Suarez and Neymar. The philosophy transitioned from a systematic and collective attacking approach to one that focused on individual quality and improvision, the issue therefore being the lack of such elite quality at Arsenal. There are similarities to Arsenal’s current philosophy including a monopoly of possession (naturally occurring due to better quality players) and pacey counter attacks which naturally occur out of the directive to get the ball forwards quickly, however at present one would assume the system is likely to falter due to the difference in offensive quality and improved level of defending within the Premier League. Enrique could adapt his approach based on these mitigating factors but then we are moving into territory of the unknown rather than the approach that brought Enrique past success.
Diego Simeone – The Pragmatist
A Manager who has achieved European and Domestic success, competing against rival superpowers who hold a stronger financial advantage. Such success was achieved by creating one of the best defensive systems in Europe, involving a high press to disrupt the opposition playing from the back and then two deep compact banks of four should the ball transition into Atletico’s own half. This approach relies on a commitment to defensive excellence and therefore deployment of personnel with the required discipline and mindset, for example positionally aware central midfielders over flair players out wide. Goal scoring comes in the form of quick counter attacks or long balls (with expert hold up play) which relies on the opposition exposing themselves too high up the pitch or an individual piece of skill from a forward player, likely to be isolated without great levels of support. In fairness, recent times has seen Atletico begin to dominate possession against lesser sides however their defensive excellence is still the priority, foundation and platform of their success. Arsenal need to consider their willingness to adopt to a different style of play and their willingness to accept a transitional period to overhaul the current playing staff in order to adopt such a system (which likely to take a minimum of two years.)
These are five of the best Managers in world football, albeit with different philosophies and approaches, but all with proven success. Evaluating Arsenal’s current philosophy and considering the timescales each would need to execute their preferred strategy, Allegri, Ancelotti or Loew would appear to be the most logical candidates.
Guns of SF did not refer to Arsenal as a “franchise”
The repeated use of “franchise” is Aubergine’s (aka village idiot) way of digging at Guns of SF’s nationality.
He’s deduced that “SF” means San Francisco so he will keep throwing “franchise” out there.
Coach
Nope
I’m in the DC-Baltimore area
Cazorla, Henry, Arteta, Pires, Lehmann, tf is this.. Ex players retreat?
We better stop this emotional bullshit & go get the best hands for the job.
Dissenter- Little Aubershit’s world is slowly collapsing on him. its just too much for him, to know that there are Arsenal fans worldwide. he uses the words Franchise, but its only he who says them but blames others for saying it. clearly he cannot use his own eyes, or does not know how to read, or is just plain dumb or all of the above. Yes Im from the San Francisco Bay Area. A great freaking place to be from… Little Aubershit would not know. I bet hes not ventured to far from home…I bet his mommy did give him… Read more »
Guns of SF
I told you a while ago. That’s Aubergine’s modus operandi. He has been binned several times for these personal attacks.
“Aubergine” is perhaps his 5th moniker as far as I can recall.
Dissenter
Good to know. I find it kind of weird that someone would spend so much time and energy on posting hateful and negative shit towards Arsenal fans. Its not like he even has a point of view… just a reactionary POS.
Its just pathetic…
Haven’t seen Xabi Alonso linked with being part of the coaching staff yet which is surprising. BFF’s with Arteta since nappies
Now there’s someone who came across as a potential coach for sure. Also what ex professionals aren’t being linked with a job at Arsenal. Probably going to be some committee come the end of it all
Little aubershit
you crack me up. such a loser.
While I’m still here, who tf thinks about hiring a total novice for a Job as big as being manager of Arsenal? We Hoffenheim now? Literally none of our competitors would be this stupid. None. Hell even United were sensible enough to do a U-turn on giggs who btw was as smart & had more experience on being a winner. One argument I see that keeps coming up re arteta is “Pep says he’d be perfect for us” really? A rival coach with literally no affiliation to the club tells you “yeh make this guy your manager.. He’d be the… Read more »
Interesting read…. Henry back with Arsenal and Arteta in a coaching role.
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/next-arsenal-manager-mikel-arteta-backroom-team-santi-cazorla-thierry-henry-arsene-wenger-premier-a8357986.html
Little Aubershit- look what I found as well online! au·ber·gine ˈōbərˌZHēn/ nounBritish noun: aubergine; plural noun: aubergines another term for eggplant. a dark purple color like that of eggplant. Hey little aubershit…. just waiting so eagerly for me to post something… you pathetic loser. get a life. By the way, eggplant color! Got to give it to you…. great name. Seems very fitting… Now I have a visual when you post stupid shit that is only drivel and has no point of view…. you are the eggplant behind the keyboard. Small minded little prick. Dont let mommy catch you up… Read more »
Little Aubershit
Seems like I hit a nerve there… Got a little butt hurt?
This is hilarious…. this is our little pest Aubershit….got to give it to you…. great handle!
Quick little aubershit… change your handle! Can you take manage this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtC2nXyfrT4
Guillem Balague claiming that Arsenal are fighting to convince Arteta to take the job, with Arteta requiring assurances over the weekend from the club on the scope of his power, funds available, ability to recruit staff etc, before making a decision at the start of next week.
Just imagine if Arteta turns us down!
If Arteta turns us down, Stan will probably go back to Wenger
Arteta turning us down would be the greatest humiliation since, err Wenger.
Balague is speaking crap.
The deal is agreed- Arteta with Alonso and Henry . It will take time to settle but we will move forward enormously in coaching terms
it’s arteta.. its friggin arteta.. smh.
oh well.
Commnets sections rocking at a very low level, I’m thinking of SFO and the Eggplant.
On the up, the hair combo of Arteta and Xabi Alongo is sexy as F.
Hahaha
It’s all good. Augershit will he banned and change his eggplant name again. Useless poster and a bigot too. Just preaching to the choir here. He is a very insecure person.
Goodnight eggplant
Obviously it’s not Malaysia or quite as far south as you’re looking CC, but I feel obliged to recommend Hong Kong if you’ve never been and are looking for a great south East Asian place to visit
Heat, the harbour, the skyline, the sea, beaches, island forest hikes, hills, great food, an amazing atmosphere.
It’s a brilliant place
Why would Henry serve under Arteta as assistant manager?
WTF?
Henry is probably being interviewed for a place on the board. It’s time to start moving out the old guard.
Are we seriously so unattractive a proposition that we have to beg a novice to be our manager and promise the world? If nobody’s jumping at the chance then wait till after the WC. What have these fuckwits done to Arsenal Football Club?
And if Arteta loves the club as much as we’ve been told, how does he still need convincing?
CC Langkawi – Malaysia is decent – maybe mix with a few days in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang for the beach in Vietnam (you have to fly to Da Nang from HCM) Japan is a fabulous country and the bullet trains get you everywhere you want to explore very comfortably; been there twice and going back for more Korea is on our hit list for Seoul and winter Skiing Maldives is more of a couples paradise and extremely expensive, but worth doing at least once Wouldn’t recommend Sri Lanka but Seychelles is cool Philippines… Read more »
Coaches need to build experience and Henry has very little. Wenger threw him out at Arsenal but he loves the club unlike some of the posters on here. He won’t be going onto the board he is a favoured choice of Josh Kroenke to revamp the team . It could be a flop or it could be brilliant but it’s not tge turgid Wenger, Bould, Banfield set-up which so needed changing. The big change is we have two big-hitters setting up deals not Wenger dithering over who to buy and sell. We wasted the summer faffing around over Sanchez and… Read more »
Aubergine The photo was changed when a lot of us changed our pictures in support of Pedro. Frankly id fogotten about it. How long you been posting here? When was it you figured out we needed Wenger Out? Go back through the history of Le-Grove I was one of the early ones. You fucking Johnny Come Lately. I noticed how you operate on here. Like i said to you before ignore my posts. You probably havent been around long enough to remember Keyser we had many arguments with him 1 argument could last a week. As an antagonist goes your… Read more »
🙂 🙂
So you changed your name? LOL. Banned how many times? And your still not getting the message?
Just call yourself Keyser Wannabe if your trying to replace him.
So i take it you remeber i was one of the first who had the foresight to call Wenger out even when it was unpopular?
Maybe im not focussing on that. I liike the Batique print your wearing by the way. Nothing associated with the club you could think of? Or no point changing it because you been banned so many times theres no point because youll be onto your next name soon.
Who did you used to be? The first time i mean.
The 50m makes sense, forcing the coach to buy to sell hence starting the cleanup of Wenger’s fucking mess of an overpaid squad …
You’re a well travelled guy Tony! Singapore is pretty cool, agreed. Though I think 4 days is more than enough there before you run out of things to do If we’ll talk about eastern rather than south east Asia then agreed on Japan. Best food in Asia, great service, very clean. A thoroughly enjoyable visit. Shanghai is a brilliant place to check out, it’s probably second only to Hong Kong on my favourite city list. Beijing is a very interesting place as well. It’s not an attractive city in many ways but it’s absolutely bursting with culture and for me… Read more »
The more I thi k about it’s clear who ever comes will just be a coach not manager, they will not have any say who comes. I would love Alegri to come but he will win that 200 million bet least which is never going to happen plus he will want stamp his own authority on the team which means bringing there type of players.. The very top managers are going to pick there own players and have real say on who comes in and out of the club
Has Debbie McGee been given enough assurances to take on magicians job?
Pedro, if you’re struggling for a subject to write about, perhaps you should consider writing down the list of all the assistant coaches who became great managers – shouldn’t take you long I’d imagine.
Ed
She has indeed
But not a lot
She has to rush as
Every second counts ….
Also, living a stone throw from Highbury, I can confirm I’m yet to speak to an Arsenal fan who thinks Arteta as Arsenal manager is a good idea.
Look
If it’s to be Arteta then let’s go with the flow, the club has needed a shake down in coaching n medince so roll the dice an hope for a six…
It will be ok
Ed
Know one knows how it will turn out
We’ve all agreed the clubs been stale
Well this idea is fresh out the oven
Give them a chance
I guess the big question is if Arteter were to come would he change things up or maintain the status quo
A sixth placed arsenal no CL football Arteta at the helm…
We appear as if we are turning into a mid table club.
What WC top quality elite player is going to sign up with Arteta a complete unknown
FA Cup day
Predictions?
Maureen to get turned over by late olly goal.
London
Maybe the board think Henry on the staff may have that gravitas,without paying the big buck.
I agree we seem content with top 6 with this appointment,and gambling it may have better results than recent seasons.
I think if it’s Arteta.,he shouldn’t finish any lower than we are now,even without any experience,so see why the board are prepared to take this risk.
Not my preference but will just have to roll with it.
” We appear as if we are turning into a mid table club.”
We are already a mid table club, since a few seasons now.
So…. Arteta or Emery, the other “favourite” ?? lol
Arteta in a heartbeat.
China Never been one to let the grass grow as they say. Totally agree 4 days is enough in Singapore. I think Hong Kong is a bit marmite, you either love or hate it. I really like it. Although I haven’t been there yet, I was going to mention Shanghai as it’s another place on our hit list I’ve heard a lot of good things about. Almost went to Beijing a few times because a close friend (brother) was the VP of the Mad Dogs MC there, but he preferred coming on rides here with the Thailand chapter. Mad Dogs… Read more »
‘the club has needed a shake down in coaching n medicine’
I’ll be intrigued to see how the first team fair with injury in the coming season,with a new medical team in place.
Kind of just want it all done and sorted so we know where we stand.
Announce da ting
lol
Dick Emery coming with a late run on the rails.
Nobody has told him though the race is finished.
Leon
“I guess the big question is if Arteter were to come would he change things up or maintain the status quo”
Well, he got Wenger’s approval, and likely recommendation to the board. Which means he is fully subscribed to ‘Arsenal Values’.
Coach
Valid point on Henry being a lure is correct
I enjoy reading the lead posts on this site but the poor level of debate and pessimism on this site is ridiculous. Arteta is untried but so was Guardiola when Barcelona took a punt back in the day. So too was Kenny Dalglish earlier still and go back earlier who was Bob Paisley when Shankly retired?
This probable apppointment is exciting and innovative and rather than moan on this site start getting excited you miserable bastards.
FFS some of you are never happy. I’d hate to see what your home lives are like!
Coach
We are signing the good doctor
New modern approach from Shaun an the team
RSPC
Could you elaborate,not seen anything on future medical department appointment.
Cheers
Typical Gazidis/Kronke bullshit descision. Our own little Guardiola clone who’s never managed anywhere. Only real experience is under Wenger and Pep, neither care about defending. Only way Pep is successful (like Wenger) is if he has head and shoulders the best players. Otherwise his arty farty football (like Wengers) gets found out. Arteta is never going to have the best players. Not with 50m net to spend! We needed a manager who we know could turn us from currently one of thel worst EPL teams off the ball to one of the best. We needed an Allegri, a Simeone… Our… Read more »
Some reports saying Henry won’t come back because he don5 wan4 to be assistant
Is he that egotistical
Coach
Well he has sacked the incumbent
So they have to replace ….
Absolutely love when people try to compare Arteta taking over this train wreck to Pep taking over Barcelona. He only had Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi to help in that transition. Night and Day.
Northbanker, No offence intended but that’s nonsense. Arteta hasn’t managed anywhere that is the elephant in the room here. An unknown quantity would be a manager who has promise and some managerial experience to boot. Arteta may have promise as a coach but he is untested at any level. It’s a case of Arsenal doing things on the cheap while trying to be the smartest guys in the room yet again. It also speaks of their ambition/lack of. What player worth his salt will respect Arteta or want to sign to play under him? Because we’re the mighty Arsenal right?… Read more »
Ivans a shiny headed twat, who has left himself no wriggle room should we appoint Arteta and it goes wrong. We’ll see.
Anyone who likes Hong Kong will like shanghai. They’re far from identical but they’re the same ball park in terms of the vertical bustling megapolis with a lot of attention put on quality, food and service Beijing is really worth it to see ‘real’ China but that does unfortunately mean a sacrifice in terms of quality in just about every way compared with HK and SH In terms of food, China is wildly inconsistent in quality imo – both in terms of what’s on offer and from place to place The food culture here is vastly overrated in general, as… Read more »
Guardiola doing everything to move Arteta to Arsenal. After all Iniesta is available and a far better option.
This is called being ruthless
It goes without saying that there are plenty of exceptions here mind.
Some top tier restaurants and places here, just a lot of tat as well
I think what RJM says may ring a little true here.
Let’s hope our reservations are misplaced.
Coach 15
Evidently the new Medical over lord
is Noel Fitzpatrick..
Few animals on there with better fitness levels Ramsey,welbeck and Wilshere.
Hong Kong is a 10, but local knowledge is required.
Arteta won’t be finishing in a worse position than Wenger this season, not with 30 goals in PEA and defensive strength. Wager he hits first target, which is of course every Arenal supporters birth right; the top four trophy.
salparadisenyc
” Arteta won’t be finishing in a worse position than Wenger this season.”
Hope not.
It’s a six team league with Arsenal lagging behind the rest atm.
If he falls out of top six that can only be termed poor and there may even be consequences for him if that happened.
He would really have to balls it up on a major scale not to get in top six.
I guess your all watching the Wedding.
TARTS.:)
Is Pedro in another peroni induced coma?
Not that there’s much to write about anyway.
Looks like Max Meyer is joining Hoffenheim. They have CL and a real manager, guess that makes sense. One less freebie we can snap up.
I’m completely against Arteta, reeks of the cheap option, but if we have a good window we should still be doing better than in the last couple of seasons. If we’re not going to show any ambition at all with our manager hiring then we better do it in the transfer market or things will get ugly fast…
Freddie Good points about the transfer window but with the budget being thrown out as 50m that makes it hard. I’m a little skeptical of the 50m figure I do think we have more than that perfect whole number. Sales of the deadwood is the only way to buy some better players Too bad for max I don’t blame him for overlooking us Convincing an prospects to join the arsenal project will be challenging. There needs to be a catch or selling point. I’ve accepted that Arteta will be it. Hard to do but no point in fighting it. Not… Read more »
Even if it’s “only” 50m we can still strengthen massively.
We can get decent money for Chambers and Welbeck since they’re english, Mustafi and Xhaka would also fetch a decent sum.
Add in a couple of the loanees and Ospina and we’re looking at an extra 100m without touching our most valuable (and sellable) assets in Bellerin and Ramsey.
Buy smart and relatively young (except for 1 experienced CB maybe) and we’ll look a lot better.