The soccer world was shocked on Friday when long time Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger announced he would step down at the end of the season.
Wenger joined Arsenal in 1996 as a relative unknown. Previously managing France’s Nancy and Monaco before going to Japan to coach Nagoya Grampus Eight, Wenger was completely different than the English soccer managers of the time. The Frenchman was an advocate of attacking soccer and revoutionized the way teams trained and player nutrition and fitness.
In recent years, Arsenal’s fans have called for Wenger to step down and now after managing more than 1,200 matches, the Frenchman will move aside. Wenger will lead Arsenal into the Europa League semifinal against Atletico Madrid. The Spanish side is the tournament’s favorite, but Arsenal could upset the apple cart and give Wenger his first ever European cup.
Arsenal is +300 to win the Europa League. Although the club could win the tournament, the club’s hierarchy will begin looking for Wenger’s successor immediately.
Which manager could take Wenger’s place Arsenal? Let’s look at the top candidates.
Carlo Ancelotti +500
Former Chelsea, AC Milan, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain manager Carlo Ancelotti is top of the odds board according to leading sportsbooks around the world. Ancelotti has an incredible resume that is unmatched by many in soccer management.
Ancelotti has coached big clubs and managed in the biggest matches possible, which makes him perfect for the job. However, Ancelotti isn’t the type of manager to be in the role for a long period. Although a great coach, the club may look to someone – like Wenger – who could manage the club for the long-term.
Thomas Tuchel +600
German manager Thomas Tuchel was highly sought after not long ago. However, the German was fired by Borussia Dortmund after the 2016-17 season due to having a strained relationship with the club’s front office. He also had a fractured relationship with some of the team’s oldest serving players, including one-time club captain Roman Weidenfeller.
Tuchel was the object of many Arsenal fans’ affection not long ago, but he has sat out the current season. Tuchel’s experience with a big club has been limited, but many said the same about Wenger when he was appointed Arsenal manager in 1996. Tuchel’s reputation as being difficult to get along with could turn off Arsenal’s owners. American sports team owner and billionaire Stan Kroenke owns Arsenal and he won’t deal with Tuchel not seeing eye to eye with him.
Brendan Rodgers +600
Brendan Rodgers may be the perfect fit for Arsenal. He has managed big clubs – Liverpool and Celtic – and has plenty of experience in big matches. Rodgers’ teams also play exciting, attacking soccer; which Arsenal fans will want to see at the Emirates Stadium.
The only problem is Rodgers’ personality has been known to turn the fans off at the clubs he has worked for. In addition, Rodgers’ previous employment at Liverpool may keep fans from accepting Rodgers at the club with open arms.
Of the top three managers presented by sportsbooks, Rodgers seems like the likeliest fit currently.
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