Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta appears optimistic about bringing former Arsenal boss and club icon, Arsene Wenger, back to Emirates. The two met during the launch of the documentary-film ‘Arsene Wenger: Invincible.’ Although no official talks with the club have taken place, Wenger’s former captain, Arteta, wants him to join the club.
At Arsenal, Wenger and Arteta developed a strong friendship. Before Wenger’s retirement, Arteta became the club’s captain. After joining the club in 1996, the 72-year-old French manager spent nearly 22-years there. Under Wenger’s management, the Gunners have won 3 Premier League titles, 7 FA Cups and 7 Community Shield trophies.
During his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Newcastle, Arteta said (via The42):
“There’s been a communication.”
“I talked to him when we went to see the film and it was incredibly pleasant to see him and chat to him, and hopefully we can bring him close.”
“I think he would have a great time just seeing the environment that he can create around him when he’s around this place because of the respect, admiration and the love that everybody at the club has for what he’s done and as well as for what he represents as a person at this club.”
Although Arteta declined to elaborate on what kind of role Wenger could play, he added:
“I cannot tell you now, but what I can say is that I would like him to be much closer, personally, to me because I think it would be a great help, I think it would be a great help for the club.”
“Things take time and I think he has to dictate those timings. What I can say is from my side and I can say, I think, on behalf of everybody is that we would be delighted to have him much closer.”
Although the motivation behind bringing the former manager back to Emirates is unknown, the Frenchman can certainly help Arteta as a good consultant. Recognizing Thierry Henry’s talent at the age of 13 as a rising footballer clearly shows his vision. Clearly, his understanding of the game at the highest level and his current position as one of FIFA’s director of football development makes Wenger a perfect fit for the role.
When he came to England in the 1996-97 season, he brought with him knowledge and resources that other managers lacked. Wenger introduced dieticians at Arsenal, and when they boarded hotels, he had the minibars emptied from the rooms.
However, the problem that can occur with his inclusion at the club is that he is a household name at Arsenal. The respect he has at the club, among the fans and the players make him a huge personage. His involvement would make things revolve around him and the Spaniard might face some issues with him being too close to the team.
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As quoted from the press conference, even though Arteta wishes to see Wenger very much closer to the team, it could hinder Arteta’s managerial presence in the squad. Hence, Wenger’s presence could hamper the development of the new project under Mikel Arteta.
The new signings are quite rightly picking up their socks and getting on the game. Also, the defeat against Liverpool shouldn’t put them in the dark as they are yet to give a headache to the top four. The players are developing and hopefully, Xhaka can make his comeback in 3-4 weeks.
What are your thoughts on bringing Arsene Wenger back to Arsenal? Share your opinions in the comment’s section below.
