There has been many comments over the years about who could replace Arsene Wenger as the manager of Arsenal, but now it is becoming a real possibility that Le Prof may leave next summer after completing 20 years at the helm.
Wenger himself has now spoken about the possibility again, and he has made it clear that he hopes his successor is even more successful than himself, but also that whoever it is carries on the values that the club have held dear during his reign.
“I always felt that as a manager you have an influence on three levels,” Wenger said on the official Arsenal website. “One, on the individual careers of the players – you are not successful with every player. Two, on the style of play and the results of the team. Three, on the structure of the club.
“I like to think that the club today is at a different level to when I arrived and as well, when I leave, that I leave a good team with a strong financial resources and good structures at the club.
“My pride [would be] to see somebody come in and do better. At least he is in a position to do better. It is important I think for the legacy.
“For me the club is also about identity and values. The values are carried here by the manager because I have stayed here for a long time.
“I hope that these values, which are respected all over the world, will continue because it is based on respect, humility, togetherness – and also that the club moves forward.”
I think those words have made it certain that Jose Mourinho would not be one of his choices as his replacement! It would make sense that it is an ex-player that has learnt the ropes under Wenger and understands his philosophy as well as his training regime.
Who do you think could fulfil that criteria?