John Fitzsimmons
Breaking news – Monday 18th February 2013
Arsenal Announce Sacking of Arsene Wenger Following yet another Dismal Cup Performance
This morning Arsenal football club have announced the shock departure of their longest standing manager after another cup defeat to Blackburn. The defeat to Blackburn was their second defeat to lower league opposition this season and their second exit to Blackburn Rovers in recent years. In what has been viewed as a tough stance by the board they have announced that Arsene Wenger will be stepping down with immediate effect.
Ivan Gazidis said in an official club statement: “It is with regret that we announce Arsene Wenger will no longer be Arsenal manager effective immediately. Arsenal football club wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Mr Wenger who has been one of the most successful Arsenal managers of all time and has served the club exceptionally well over the course of his tenure. Unfortunately, the board feel that, in light of recent results, his position as manager of one of the most successful clubs in the world has become untenable. It has been a very tough decision to make, but one we feel is right for the club.”
Gazidis went on to say: “the club will now begin the search for next Arsenal manager, we have been in consultation for a several months now and we have a very short list of candidates with whom we will be speaking in the coming days.”
While it is understood that many Arsenal fans are unhappy to see their longest standing manager part company with the club in such unceremonious circumstances, a large number have become disillusioned with the direction of the club in recent years, leading a section of supporters to call for Wenger’s head. While many in the sport may disagree with the decision, this move cannot be viewed as regressive and is set to earn the Arsenal board a great deal of respect for their ability to make tough decisions and put the success of the club above financial profitability.
In the short-term it is understood that Steve Bould will take over the reigns as caretaker manager with Martin Keown returning to the club as head defensive coach.
Long-term Replacements
The early favourites with the bookies are David Moyes (4/1), Roberto Martinez (6/1) and Martin O’Neill (8/1). The Arsenal board are understood to be big fans of David Moyes and they respect the work he has done, turning Everton into one of the most consistent teams with a budget significantly lower than that of Arsenal. Should the club make an approach for the Scot, it would be a difficult opportunity to turn down for a man who recently sold Mikel Arteta to Arsenal as he felt unable to stop the player from joining a club “of Arsenal’s stature”.
Given the surprise departure of Wenger, the fans are likely to be very disappointed by the recent announcements of their next opponents (Bayern Munich) who announced a month ago that Pep Guardiola will be succeeding Jupp Heynckes as manger from the end of this season. Guardiola was viewed by many as an ideal candidate for the next Arsenal manager with his brand of high-tempo attractive football and proven record of success at Barcelona.
Whichever way the Arsenal board decide to go, the eyes of the world will be on North London this week as we await what is likely to be a very significant appointment for European football.
Breaking News – Friday 22nd 2013
Arsenal Announce Jurgen Klopp as their new manager
In the second surprise move of the week Arsenal Football Club have announced that Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp will succeed Arsene Wenger as manager. Klopp, 45, is viewed as one of the most exciting managers in German football having twice previously lead Dortmund to Bundesliga success ahead of the vastly wealthier Bayern Munich. In leading his team of underdogs (assembled for around £50m) to such success, Klopp has earned cult status in Germany with many people viewing him as the antidote to Bayern’s dominance of German football. Results have however not been as good as expected this season with Bayern storming to a commanding lead in the Bundesliga, leading some to question the abilities of their cult hero.
Klopp, who it is understood has signed on a 6 year (£4m) contract, is still seen as somewhat unproven having never guided his team further than the second round of the Champions League; although his team amazingly progressed this year ahead of Real Madrid and Man City winning the group unbeaten and currently have an away goal advantage having drawn 2-2 with Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine. The appointment will be viewed as a step down by many who cite Wenger’s record breaking Champions League qualification feats; however it is significant that Arsenal have never won the Champions League under Wenger and have not progressed beyond the second round in 3 years.
Ivan Gazidis said in an official club statement: “Arsenal football club are delighted to announce the appointment of Jurgen Klopp as Arsenal manager. We believe that his proven record of achieving success in the German league, operating within a sustainable model, will provide him with the perfect base to succeed at this club.”
Gazidis also hinted that Klopp will have funds available when the transfer window opens in the summer: “With our recently improved commercial deals and our strong financial position we will be able to offer Jurgen whatever he needs to turn this club back into a success on the pitch as well as off it.” This news will come as music to the ears of many Arsenal fans who have become disgruntled in recent seasons by the perceived parsimony of a club who outwardly boast a very healthy bottom line. Early rumours have suggested that Klopp will look to entice some of his former players to the Premier League with Lewandowski, Mario Gotze and Mats Hummels thought to be seeking new opportunities.
It is understood that Klopp’s first game in charge will be the North London Derby followed by a return to Germany to face Bayern Munich who were held to a scrappy 0-0 draw at the Emirates under the guidance of Steve Bould and Martin Keown.
Now how’s that for striking while the iron is hot?
