With every match-week that goes by in this hectic fixture schedule, more and more questions are asked of Arsene Wenger and his ability to stay on as manager.
Forgetting the opening day of the season, it’s been so far, so good for the 67-year-old, who made it to the Champions League knockout stages with two games to spare.
But with his side sitting in second place in the Premier League, we would be wasily excused to think his future was still in jeopardy, especially with the persistent backing of the Gunners board.
However, it appears the search for his successor is well and truly on, after RB Leipzig’s boss, Ralph Hassenhuttl, confirmed there have been approaches made by the North London club.
Hassenhuttl’s men are making headlines at the moment as they remain unbeaten in the Bundesliga whilst sitting top of the table, and these were his comments in a recent press conference:
There was a lot of truth (to the story). I have heard of worse fates than succeeding the longest-serving manager in England. It’s not damaging my reputation is it?
We don’t have to put too much thought into it.
The 49-year-old went on to admit the stories had been well researched, but having confirmed the talks with Arsenal, his later comments suggest there’s no immediate rush to replace Wenger.
Majority shareholder Stan Kroenke has spoken of his desire to extend Wenger’s contract, which is up at the end of the month, but some fans don’t feel the same way.
Many believe that if he can’t win the league with this squad, then he hasn’t got much chance of doing it any time soon and it’s time for a change both tactically and ethically.
In my opinion, Wenger has set up this squad for anyone to take over (unlike Fergie did at United) so it provides a great transitional period when he eventually does leave.
I’m a huge fan of Wenger and I believe people will really start to appreciate him once he’s no longer here, but it’s interesting that Arsenal are clearly getting a head-start on his successor.
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