This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Speaking to FourFourTwo, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has delivered a promising verdict on whether Mikel Arteta could take over the reins at Arsenal.
What did he say?
After sacking Unai Emery following a dismal start to the campaign that has seen the Gunners languish well outside of the Champions League places in the Premier League, the north London side are on the look-out for a permanent successor the Spaniard.
Freddie Ljungberg has taken charge on an interim basis for now, but reports in recent weeks have suggested Arsenal have lined up a 12-man short-list for the main job – and Arteta’s name features prominently on that list.
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Despite only having his experience as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, Balague believes Arteta is “more than ready” to take over at the Emirates.
He said: “First of all, he talks like a manager. People haven’t really heard him talk as an assistant coach since he arrived at Manchester City nearly four years ago but he’s been growing into the role. When he first came to City, the club weren’t sure about what he could do. But since then he’s improved Leroy Sané, he’s helped improved Raheem Sterling – he’s got his own office in the training ground where he sits down and watches videos to understand the game.
“He’s a top leader. He said no to Newcastle and Lyon and there have been other offers. But he’s more than ready to take over at Arsenal.”
Risk and reward
Make no mistake about it, appointing Arteta with no experience or know-how of being the manager of a club is a major risk. But it also comes with the tantalising prospect of the unknown. That element of taking a chance on somebody who appears to be earning rave reviews from people like Balague for his work behind the scenes at the Etihad.
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The Gunners could be revitalised by such a move, because it would give them something to rally behind. A young manager, learning under one of the best managers in the game. Could the apprentice turn out to be good, if not better, than the master? It’s a risk laced with the prospect of it all blowing up in their face. But it also has the potential of being a master-stroke – and that’s an opportunity the Gunners may struggle to pass up on.
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans have hailed this starlet who could be their “new Rambo”.
