Wenger’s next job by Dan Smith
Caring about Arsene Wenger’s next job is like showing an interest in what your ex-girlfriend is getting up too. While you should be only focused on the new person in your life, you can’t help wish the best for an individual you spent over two decades with. While the ending may have been messy , it’s doesn’t mean it was all bad, you will always have memories that will stay with you. Even if you wanted to end the relationship earlier, you don’t wish any harm on that person……
So after 22 years in the same job, where next for Arsene Wenger? He claims he’s recieved more offers then he imagined. His criteria is a project although a short term one. Certain events in the summer may have changed his next destination.
Here though are the 10 most likely next jobs for the Frenchmen
Real Madrid – Wenger’s never been shy in telling the world he’s been offered this role before.
That the Spanish giant didn’t jump when their long term target was finally unemployed, tells you time his time may have passed. The only reason you wouldn’t rule it out is knowing how trigger happy their president can be. This is a man who will sack managers if they don’t win the Champions League. If they ever needed a stop gap appointment, they have Arsene’s number…
PSG- Has a relationship with their owners, with talk of him even advising them on footballing matters in the past. They preferred to make a younger appointment rather then make the Frenchmen an offer. They are so trigger happy though you wouldn’t rule out it happening one day.
England – The only negative aspect of England’s successful summer is it most likely keeps Southgate in a job for another 4 years. The FA have discussed the job with Arsene Wenger while he was in charge of Arsenal. Now he’s open to the idea, Southgate’s PR work makes it unlikely. Would Wenger play a midfield of Henderson, Delph and Dier? …… I don’t think so!
France – Would have been short odds before the World Cup with Deschamp not all fans and media favourite cup of tea. As the only man to win his country the World Cup twice, he now gets to pick when he leaves. He may feel the only way now is down and want to bow out on a high. Either way you sense the moment the Blues are looking for a boss, Wenger will be in the frame .
Spain – Unlike other nations, the Spanish are not known for hiring a foreign coach. Arsene Wenger though is so universally respected it’s hard to see fans being opposed to it. The two could be a perfect fix due to matching philosophies. While many debate about the tika taka style that is ingrained in their culture, Arsene Wenger equally believes in the game being played the correct way.
USA – Arsene Wenger is looking for a project to get his teeth into and will consider an international job and of course this would pay well. America has responded to failing to qualify for the last World Cup with a complete overhaul of the game. Whereas it be a bit drastic , a whole review is underway with those in charge ready to rip things up and start again. The pressure has increased with the news they will be joint hosting the 2026 World Cup. Having revolutionised the French , Japanese and English game, Arsene Wenger is a voice everyone in US soccer would listen too.
Japan – The Japanese FA have admitted speaking to him in the summer, so Arsene Wenger is in their thought process. He’s been highly respected ever since working in the country in the early 90’s.
The Frenchmen had ambitions for the game to grow in Asia years before millions was pumped into it, not for the first time he was ahead of his time. Sucess in Russia has led to those in charge leaning towards sticking with a domestic based boss but this could happen one day.
China – The Chinese president has long expressed his ambition for the Chinese to be world champions one day, a claim which every year becomes more outrageous. A lot of money has been thrown at their domestic Leauge and the resources are there to hire a top coach. It would take someone like Wenger to help grow the game. He would have ideas in terms of dieting and training while he could help guide youth development and training facilities. That would really be a challenge, but still hard to argue it wouldn’t be finanancially motivated.
Chinese club – Have shown they will pay big salaries to attract star players and managers to grow the brand. Arsene Wenger could name his price, and win more silverware while waiting for one of the above jobs to become available . Remember this is a man who had a vision for the game to grow in Asia although he has been vocal about how they tried to throw money at it.
MLS- Could be the ideal option for Le prof. His preference might not be available but he knows it’s when and not if they offer him the position. Financially he’s under no pressure to take a job for the sake of it. While he’s too old to give the dedication he did for Arsenal he’s too obsessed with the sport to be doing nothing. An American club would give him the project of helping grow the game, all the while living in a nice place while continuing to be a rich man. Not a bad place to be while your waiting for a better job to open up.
Where do you think he will go?
Dan Smith