With Arsenal's performances so worryingly disappointing and very below par right now, there have been calls for Emery's head as fans are fed up with watching woeful games go by and teams who the Gunners should seemingly beat, take points way from us. It's not good enough. Period.
Should Unai Emery be shown the door, the big question is, who will come in? There are options a plenty although it does ultimately depend on the if, closely followed by the when. Should the board take this to the end of the season (heaven forbid!) then there is likely to be a whole host of interested candidates. Below are just some of the options Arsenal could consider regardless of timing and experience.
Freddie Ljungberg
Arsenal Assistant First Team Coach
What Freddie lacks in management experience he makes up for in knowledge of the club, its players and the academy. He is currently a key part of the coaching team and forms a vital link between the senior pro's and the club's emerging youngsters. He knows our next generation better than anyone and is there to help streamline their integration to the first team. Importantly, he also has the respect of every player at the club regardless of seniority which would hold him in good stead should he get the job on a temporary or permanent basis. As a dynamic attacker, his footballing philosophy would surely reflect his playing days and be built upon possession based and exciting attacking play. We saw snippets during his time in charge of Arsenal's U23s last season, a time that ultimately earnt him a promotion to Unai Emery's coaching team.
Jose Mourinho
3 Time PL and 4 Time European Cup Winning Manager
Mourinho's arrival would divide an already exhausted and fed up fan base. He would however, bring an identity and a level of consistency back to the club which his followers would argue Arsenal crave but his ethos and style just does not suit. He's delivered many a trophy across the world and his plethora of individual honours is longer than the average arm but would he really be a long term solution? Arsenal's board made it clear with the appointment of Emery (or whoever AW's successor would be), they want a mid-to-long term solution that can work to a mid-to-long term plan. Mourinho has never stuck at a job longer than three seasons and the reason for that is although he brings success, fans soon get sick of his negative and often anti-football style that just isn't pleasing on the eye. Former Chelsea and Man United connections won't do him any favours either nor will historical spats with Arsene Wenger.
Patrick Vieira
Nice Manager
Former Gunners skipper and midfield hard man Patrick Vieira has slowly built up crucial management experience since he hung up his boots in 2011. Starting with a role in Man City's academy, he's since gone on to manage New York City FC in the MLS and is now at Nice in France. He's had his fair share of struggles but much like Ljungberg, regardless of experience, Arsenal fans would back Vieira at the Arsenal helm. He knows the club and its fans and knows what it takes to play for Arsenal Football Club. Currently in his second season in Ligue 1, Arsenal's post would be a big step up for Vieira but one that I'm sure he'd relish should the opportunity come his way. From a fans' perspective, there's a risk that he's not yet ready for the big time and due to Emery's current demise, the club need someone with a blueprint to come in and get results from the off. The longer Emery's tenure goes on, the less time his replacement has to implement their ideas and get results.
Joachim Löw
Germany Head Coach
The now known Joachim Löw has one huge positive in his corner should he come to Arsenal and that his he made Shkodran Mustafi a World Cup winner...something everyone else would likely fail at. That aside, his relationship with talisman Mesut Ozil is fractured to say the least, he has little club management experience in the now dynamic football climate, and above all has no big club experience. Managing a national team, although tough, is a different ball game altogether. He lives with his players for two weeks here and there and then for two months every two years. He also has a huge talent pool to pick from, something club managers don't have the luxury of. His style is well suited to international football and tournament football too but how would he fare in a 38 game league? Not so well I'd say. Any rumours for Löw is likely to be just that with his suitability to club football the biggest hurdle of many, including, why would he leave his current job with the next crop of German footballers looking so bright?
Mikel Arteta
Manchester City Assistant Coach
Another former Arsenal skipper and midfield leader, Mikel Arteta was linked with the Arsenal job when AW left and rumour has it was only just pipped to the post by Emery. Oh how different it could have been!! Learning from Pep Guardiola makes Arteta one of very few men who have seen the best and lived with it. He's seen first hand exactly how to win titles in football's modern era but his lack of management experience could come a cropper as right now he is involved with the man but he isn't the man. In charge he'd have to deal with egos, fans, media, a playing style and a board room to name just a few but in all fairness he'll need to get his big break somewhere. Could Arsenal be the place? It is a genuine possibility and the longer we go without pinning him down, other clubs could come fishing. He's clearly keen on being a Head Coach or Manager and learning in his current role will hold him in good regard going into his first real job. But would it be too much too soon at Arsenal?
Julian Nagelsmann
RB Leipzig Manager
Although only 32 years old, Nagelsmann is making a real name for himself in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig but it actually all started with Hoffenheim in 2015. Initially saving the club from relegation after a poor start in his first (part) season, he went onto take them to a fourth place finish the following year. He led them into the Champions League for the first time in their history with fantastic football and a clear identity - something that went on to land him the Leipzig job and further success there. Although only in his first season with Leipzig now, he's had a great start and just seemingly encourages attacking football. He gets the best out of his players and holds ball retention and goal scoring at the top of his philosophy. Nagelsmann had Reiss Nelson on loan last year too so knows a little about Arsenal's style of player already and although he should be given free reign to impose his style if he were to come in, he at least knows the type of player to expect and what he'd have to work with. Much like the other younger candidates though, would it be too big of a job at Arsenal?
Niko Kovač
Former Eintract Frankfurt and Bayern Munich Manager
Following his recent release from Munich, the former Croatian captain is available to work right away. He had success at Frankfurt before making the step up to the big time with Bayern and although it's gone sour this season, last year was one to remember. He led Bayern to a season opening German Super Cup followed by an impressive domestic double. He has experience in managing at a big club, has managed in the Champions League and has won titles. One would question his resistance and stability against adversity as Bayern let him go at the first sign of rocky waters but that being said, he's dealt with big players, big egos and big board rooms. He knows how to win, both as a player and as a manager and unlike Emery (and others like Pochettino, Zidane and Benitez), he actually has a personality. One that supported him through a fantastic playing career and into the dug out of one of the world's biggest football teams. His suitability to the Premier League could be in question though, and never having managed a side through adversity could see him buckle under pressure.
Thierry Henry
Current Toronto FC Manager, Former Arsenal Academy Coach, Belgium Coach and Monaco Manager
Arsenal's legendary leading goal scorer was available until very recently but should his former club coming knocking, it could be far too big to say no to. Having seen his coaching career begin with the Gunners, he already has some insight into the club (added to several hundred playing days too!) and also has experience dealing with big players on the international stage. Although he wasn't fully in charge, he did have a great relationship with Roberto Martinez so his exposure to the tactics and style of football was there as was his one-to-one mentoring with Belgium's forwards. His time at Monaco wasn't as fruitful though and could ultimately put many off. He signed Cesc Fabregas as well as one or two others at the Principality but couldn't get things going. It sadly cost him his job only twenty-odd games into his tenure and as the only real first team club experience, the whole thing doesn't look great on his CV. Should it go wrong at Arsenal were he to come in, it could jeopardise his place among Arsenal gods and turn something so sweet, bare sour should he not turn the club around.
First though its Unai Emery and sorting his situation. Things cannot go on as they are with a skillful squad failing to deliver, and added to the Spaniards strange substitutions decisions now actually costing the team, mean that he's surely on the edge. Anyone volunteers to push him over?
Should he go, if or when, there are ample replacements available, let alone those that aren't. Since Wenger's departure, other established names like Allegri, Ancellotti and Conte have also been mentioned. Regardless, a new name with new ideas looks to the be way forward for Arsenal Football Club.
@craigbennett10
Should Unai Emery be shown the door, the big question is, who will come in? There are options a plenty although it does ultimately depend on the if, closely followed by the when. Should the board take this to the end of the season (heaven forbid!) then there is likely to be a whole host of interested candidates. Below are just some of the options Arsenal could consider regardless of timing and experience.
Freddie Ljungberg
Arsenal Assistant First Team Coach
What Freddie lacks in management experience he makes up for in knowledge of the club, its players and the academy. He is currently a key part of the coaching team and forms a vital link between the senior pro's and the club's emerging youngsters. He knows our next generation better than anyone and is there to help streamline their integration to the first team. Importantly, he also has the respect of every player at the club regardless of seniority which would hold him in good stead should he get the job on a temporary or permanent basis. As a dynamic attacker, his footballing philosophy would surely reflect his playing days and be built upon possession based and exciting attacking play. We saw snippets during his time in charge of Arsenal's U23s last season, a time that ultimately earnt him a promotion to Unai Emery's coaching team.
Jose Mourinho
3 Time PL and 4 Time European Cup Winning Manager
Mourinho's arrival would divide an already exhausted and fed up fan base. He would however, bring an identity and a level of consistency back to the club which his followers would argue Arsenal crave but his ethos and style just does not suit. He's delivered many a trophy across the world and his plethora of individual honours is longer than the average arm but would he really be a long term solution? Arsenal's board made it clear with the appointment of Emery (or whoever AW's successor would be), they want a mid-to-long term solution that can work to a mid-to-long term plan. Mourinho has never stuck at a job longer than three seasons and the reason for that is although he brings success, fans soon get sick of his negative and often anti-football style that just isn't pleasing on the eye. Former Chelsea and Man United connections won't do him any favours either nor will historical spats with Arsene Wenger.
Patrick Vieira
Nice Manager
Former Gunners skipper and midfield hard man Patrick Vieira has slowly built up crucial management experience since he hung up his boots in 2011. Starting with a role in Man City's academy, he's since gone on to manage New York City FC in the MLS and is now at Nice in France. He's had his fair share of struggles but much like Ljungberg, regardless of experience, Arsenal fans would back Vieira at the Arsenal helm. He knows the club and its fans and knows what it takes to play for Arsenal Football Club. Currently in his second season in Ligue 1, Arsenal's post would be a big step up for Vieira but one that I'm sure he'd relish should the opportunity come his way. From a fans' perspective, there's a risk that he's not yet ready for the big time and due to Emery's current demise, the club need someone with a blueprint to come in and get results from the off. The longer Emery's tenure goes on, the less time his replacement has to implement their ideas and get results.
Joachim Löw
Germany Head Coach
The now known Joachim Löw has one huge positive in his corner should he come to Arsenal and that his he made Shkodran Mustafi a World Cup winner...something everyone else would likely fail at. That aside, his relationship with talisman Mesut Ozil is fractured to say the least, he has little club management experience in the now dynamic football climate, and above all has no big club experience. Managing a national team, although tough, is a different ball game altogether. He lives with his players for two weeks here and there and then for two months every two years. He also has a huge talent pool to pick from, something club managers don't have the luxury of. His style is well suited to international football and tournament football too but how would he fare in a 38 game league? Not so well I'd say. Any rumours for Löw is likely to be just that with his suitability to club football the biggest hurdle of many, including, why would he leave his current job with the next crop of German footballers looking so bright?
Mikel Arteta
Manchester City Assistant Coach
Another former Arsenal skipper and midfield leader, Mikel Arteta was linked with the Arsenal job when AW left and rumour has it was only just pipped to the post by Emery. Oh how different it could have been!! Learning from Pep Guardiola makes Arteta one of very few men who have seen the best and lived with it. He's seen first hand exactly how to win titles in football's modern era but his lack of management experience could come a cropper as right now he is involved with the man but he isn't the man. In charge he'd have to deal with egos, fans, media, a playing style and a board room to name just a few but in all fairness he'll need to get his big break somewhere. Could Arsenal be the place? It is a genuine possibility and the longer we go without pinning him down, other clubs could come fishing. He's clearly keen on being a Head Coach or Manager and learning in his current role will hold him in good regard going into his first real job. But would it be too much too soon at Arsenal?
Julian Nagelsmann
RB Leipzig Manager
Although only 32 years old, Nagelsmann is making a real name for himself in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig but it actually all started with Hoffenheim in 2015. Initially saving the club from relegation after a poor start in his first (part) season, he went onto take them to a fourth place finish the following year. He led them into the Champions League for the first time in their history with fantastic football and a clear identity - something that went on to land him the Leipzig job and further success there. Although only in his first season with Leipzig now, he's had a great start and just seemingly encourages attacking football. He gets the best out of his players and holds ball retention and goal scoring at the top of his philosophy. Nagelsmann had Reiss Nelson on loan last year too so knows a little about Arsenal's style of player already and although he should be given free reign to impose his style if he were to come in, he at least knows the type of player to expect and what he'd have to work with. Much like the other younger candidates though, would it be too big of a job at Arsenal?
Niko Kovač
Former Eintract Frankfurt and Bayern Munich Manager
Following his recent release from Munich, the former Croatian captain is available to work right away. He had success at Frankfurt before making the step up to the big time with Bayern and although it's gone sour this season, last year was one to remember. He led Bayern to a season opening German Super Cup followed by an impressive domestic double. He has experience in managing at a big club, has managed in the Champions League and has won titles. One would question his resistance and stability against adversity as Bayern let him go at the first sign of rocky waters but that being said, he's dealt with big players, big egos and big board rooms. He knows how to win, both as a player and as a manager and unlike Emery (and others like Pochettino, Zidane and Benitez), he actually has a personality. One that supported him through a fantastic playing career and into the dug out of one of the world's biggest football teams. His suitability to the Premier League could be in question though, and never having managed a side through adversity could see him buckle under pressure.
Thierry Henry
Current Toronto FC Manager, Former Arsenal Academy Coach, Belgium Coach and Monaco Manager
Arsenal's legendary leading goal scorer was available until very recently but should his former club coming knocking, it could be far too big to say no to. Having seen his coaching career begin with the Gunners, he already has some insight into the club (added to several hundred playing days too!) and also has experience dealing with big players on the international stage. Although he wasn't fully in charge, he did have a great relationship with Roberto Martinez so his exposure to the tactics and style of football was there as was his one-to-one mentoring with Belgium's forwards. His time at Monaco wasn't as fruitful though and could ultimately put many off. He signed Cesc Fabregas as well as one or two others at the Principality but couldn't get things going. It sadly cost him his job only twenty-odd games into his tenure and as the only real first team club experience, the whole thing doesn't look great on his CV. Should it go wrong at Arsenal were he to come in, it could jeopardise his place among Arsenal gods and turn something so sweet, bare sour should he not turn the club around.
First though its Unai Emery and sorting his situation. Things cannot go on as they are with a skillful squad failing to deliver, and added to the Spaniards strange substitutions decisions now actually costing the team, mean that he's surely on the edge. Anyone volunteers to push him over?
Should he go, if or when, there are ample replacements available, let alone those that aren't. Since Wenger's departure, other established names like Allegri, Ancellotti and Conte have also been mentioned. Regardless, a new name with new ideas looks to the be way forward for Arsenal Football Club.
@craigbennett10
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