There are going to be hundreds of rumours about who is going to replace Arsene Wenger as the next Arsenal manager, so we will start today with the three prime candidates from yesterday. Patrick Vieira was one of the hottest favourites yesterday but he has appeared to rule himself out for the next couple of years. “I spent nine years at Arsenal which makes the club really special for me,” the New York City boss said.
“But that is not enough to coach the team.”
“I am always flattered to hear my name linked with different football clubs. That is good for your ego but at the same time, I am happy here,”
“We will see what will happen in the next couple of years.”
So with Vieira out of the frame, the next two in the betting were Carlo Ancelotti, who could be a live contender given his excellent record and experience in the Premier League, and he hinted that he was available for the right job. He said: “I can say I would like to work again, but that depends on me,”
“If I find the right possibility, the right project, I would be delighted to continue.”
The ex-Chelsea coach also praised wenger for doing the best for Arsenal by standing down. “It’s a great decision, but I think it’s the decision Mr Wenger [made] with a lot of respect for the club and also I think the club have shown a lot of respect.” Ancelotti continued.
“That is right – Wenger did a fantastic job, and is doing a fantastic job with Arsenal because he is in the semi-final of the Europa League. Great respect and great honour to Arsene.”
So he would be a very popular choice with the fans, but I’m not sure if they are so keen on Brendan Rodgers. The Northern Irishman did well for a while at Liverpool, and did the treble with Celtic last season, going unbeaten, and is going for the treble again in this campaign. Rodger’s hasn’t made a comment, but his boss at Celtic, Dermot Desmond said: “He’s an outstanding person and we wouldn’t like him to leave, but we can’t force anybody to stay.
“Hopefully his love for the club and the set up there will enduce (sic) him to stay at Celtic.”
When asked if he would allow Arsenal to speak to Rodgers, Desmond added: “Absolutely. I don’t think you can put handcuffs on anybody if they want to go to a club as good as Arsenal.
“But it will be Brendan’s decision and Brendan’s decision only.”
So there are two big possibilities. Let’s see who are the next people to be linked with the job?
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