Arteta as the New Manager?

Mikel Arteta

   With all the news doing the rounds on social media and elsewhere, it seems that Arsenal's new manager will be Mikel Arteta. BBC and Guardian have placed him as a strong favourite for the job. Although it has not received fans approval from every corner, it is likely that he will end up at the helm. The problem with Arteta as manager is his inexperience. However, that doesn't seem to be as worrisome as understood by the fans.

Preparing for Wenger's Departure
Arsene Wenger was whole and soul of the club for more than 20 years and had the authority of a dictator. Then last summer came the much demanded change when Ivan Gazidis initiated the process to put an infrastructure in place for Wenger's eventual departure and appointed Sven Mislintat as head of recruitment, Hussein Fahmy as contract negotiator and Raul Sanllehi as head of football relations. Considering the decline that Manchester United went through after Sir Alex Ferguson retired, it seems to be a clearly thought out step by the CEO to prepare for the future.

Stability - Adopting a Model
The incoming manager will only have to worry about one thing and that is on pitch performance. This is the very same model of football club which brought Lyon tremendous success from 2002-2008 when they won Ligue 1 for seven consecutive seasons with four different managers during that period. It is still the best model that exists in football world and is very similar to moneyball. It doesn't place the importance on manager but on the footballing principles. The manager is only a temporary figure and not the center of the universe around whom the club revolves. It ensures stability. This system doesn't let any player rotting on the bench when managerial change happens.

Inheriting capable squad
The incoming manager will have a highly talented and experienced squad at disposal with likes of Lacazette, Ozil, Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan and Ramsey being a major part of it. Additionally, the latter three will not be featuring in FIFA World Cup in Russia and will be raring to go when the new season kicks-off in August which should help new manager to settle in swiftly. Playing in the Europa League this season also helped Wenger to develop academy prospects namely Maitland-Niles, Nelson, Willock and Nketiah who all look ready to make the jump to first team which means new manager will not have to scratch his head or shell out cash for fulfilling the home grown players quota. It provides more flexibility in terms of making a desired recruitment to suit the style of football which he wants to play.

Mikel Arteta was liked by all the players and fans during his playing days. He understands English football and was therefore roped in by Guardiola when he went to Manchester City. He is most likely to continue with Arsenal's philosophy of attacking football and stick with Wenger's approach of promoting youth. He is most likely to implement tiki-taka brand of football played by Guardiola's Manchester City. The fans demanded change and wanted fresh excitement. Arteta might just be the perfect fit for it.

I believe he can do a decent job if he is put in charge. It will be exciting to have him on board. If he is appointed, then he will have my backing!!!