In his 22 years at the helm of Arsenal football club, Arsène Wenger has never been under more pressure than he is now. Arsenal are currently on course to have their worst ever finish in the league while also staring down the possibility of not playing in Europe next year.
The club is in dire need of change and it appears the higher-ups at the club now share that sentiment. The first manager to be appointed after Arsène Wenger must see Arsenal as his home, therefore he must be a club legend. This is a crucial appointment that will not only affect the short-term future of the club but long-term too.
Here are three ex-Arsenal players who could replace Arsène Wenger.
#3 Patrick Vieira
Since retiring from professional football in 2011, Patrick Vieira has embarked on a trip to become one of the world’s most respected managers. Firstly, he was the youth coordinator at Manchester City, before then being promoted to the manager of City’s U21s. After 52 matches, he then tried his hand with the U19s where he averaged 2.09 points a game.
Now, the Frenchman is the manager of MLS side, NYCFC where he’s managed 81 games thus far, winning 37 games. As an Arsenal player, the 41-year-old always showcased great leadership on the pitch whilst simultaneously demanding respect from his co-workers. It only makes sense for the former midfielder to usher the Gunners into a new era.
#2 Tony Adams
It’s no locker room secret that Arsène Wenger and Tony Adams have had several high-profile backs and forth in recent years. The Englishman even went on record to say that Wenger never taught him anything as a player, basically implying Wenger rode the coattails of the defender’s leadership.
Such comments are exactly the reason why Adams should be considered for the job because he’s the polar opposite to Wenger. He’s raw, authoritative, aggressive and not scared to dish out player criticism.
Tony Adams hard knocks style of management would shake up everything stale at the club, thus forcing these boys to take responsibility for their poor performances. As a manager, Adams has overseen 88 games at clubs ranging from Wycombe Wanderers, Portsmouth, FK Gabala and Granada CF. He’s seen all styles of football and a job at the Emirates would be the crowning jewel in his managerial career.
#1 Thierry Henry
Icon, legend and Arsenal cult figure, Thierry Henry is arguably the most well-liked legend in the club’s history. So much so that the cries for him to become the club’s next manager become louder and louder by the day. Since retiring in 2015, Thierry Henry has used different avenues to acclaim his coaching badges.
Arsène Wenger allowed the legendary striker to work at London Colney whilst he was working on his badges, as the King spent extra time with the U15s. As a fully qualified coach, Thierry Henry now operates as Roberto Martinez’s assistant coach at Belgium. This is a great experience, but Thierry Henry talents lie better as a manager himself.
For goodness sake, Henry has won the World Cup, Champions League, Premier League and several domestic cup competitions, he has the pedigree not many ex-players have.