Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could be managing the club in his last Premier League fixture this Sunday, with uncertainty still remaining as to whether he will leave or not at the end of the season.
The boss’ contract is up at the end of June and the majority of Arsenal fans are hoping that he will be moving on to pastures new. There have been a few suggestions that if not at Arsenal, he will continue to manage elsewhere, with both Serie A and Ligue 1 showing strong interest in the Frenchman.
If he was to remain at Arsenal, there is more than just the first team managerial position available, with suggestions that Arsenal chief Ivan Gazidis could create a ‘Director of Football’ role at the club for Arsene Wenger, should he want it.
Wenger has previously turned his nose up at such a suggestion, with the Frenchman suggesting to the media that is was a made up position that nobody really understands. A Director of Football is said to take control of the club’s everyday affairs but in my opinion, the position is more of an ambassador figurehead position in which you sound a lot more important to the club than you actually are.
Wenger may have snubbed the reports of that possibility in the past, but he seems to have changed his tune slightly with his recent comments. In a Daily Telegraph report, the boss is quoted as saying: “Director of football – when I say that – is a guy who makes the decisions that normally are down to the manager. That means selection of players, buying and all matters that concern the functioning of the team on a daily basis.”
“Of course we can need help to become better. I am always open to open that. I am always open to things that improve the quality and the future of the club. After that, you have to see if it’s really efficient because the titles do not always make you better.”
The difference between his comments then and now is that in addition to himself being rumoured for the role as Arsenal’s Director of Football, it’s now being questioned as to whether Wenger could remain as Arsenal’s manager but under the regime of another Director. As Wenger states, such a overhaul of the club would see his own influence as a manager significantly reduce, especially when considering Wenger likes to address his own scouting and transfer options.
I think such a change comes with its positives and negatives. Ultimately I don’t think a Director would be the best stance for Arsenal to take, I think their position limits power and could creates feud’s in managerial decisions. I can imagine a Direcror taking a ‘Kroenke’ approach and thus limiting our chances of success.
On the other hand the club is in a dire state and needs change quickly. If Arsene Wenger is gonna stay next season, then perhaps he needs someone to overlook his actions under a new regime.
Do you think Arsenal should consider a Director of Football position?
By AH