Life after Arsene Wenger – Who can we expect to take over after the Frenchman?

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Arsene Wenger has shaped Arsenal’s present. He came to England from Nagoya Grampus, having a reputation of a shrewd operator who implements Sir Bobby Robson’s philosophy of ‘Beautiful Football’. His Arsenal sides are known to be ruthless in attack, bringing ruthless aggression to go along with his possession narrative.

Now into his 21st season at the club, he has 2 years left on his contract after which he might decide to call it quits.
While he has faced the anger of the fans for not delivering the Premier League in 13 years, he will go down as the most successful manager of Arsenal FC when he finally decides to step down.
Arsenal may find themselves in a similar situation to Manchester United’s life post Sir Alex. The one lesson we can learn from that debacle is that the appointment of the successor any legendary manager needs to be someone who has a similar pedigree. Someone that can handle the pressure and not crumble under it.

Here are some of the managers that could succeed Arsene when he finally decides to step down.

Massimiliano Allegri

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Allegri is an Italian success story. He is an intelligent manager who definitely has a hunger to succeed. With managerial experience in Serie A and a taste for winning trophies, he may be the man to bring back the glory days at Arsenal. While he may not be an attack minded manager like Arsene, he comes across as a manager who likes to win games comfortably. Long story short, he likes to have an able attack being backed by a rock-solid defence.
One of the major reasons for him being an ideal replacement for Arsene is down to his humbleness. While at Milan, he saw the sale of two of his team’s most talismanic players in Ibrahimovic, but put his head down, accepted reality and worked on strengthening his squad rather than moan about their loss. During his time with Juventus, he parted ways with Tevez, Vidal and Pogba, all central to his success were sold against his will; but he rebuilt the squad with smart signings and ensured they remained Champions.
Given the excruciating circumstances at Arsenal, his smart signings and diligence, and artisanship mentality will help Arsenal find back their winning ways.

Eddie Howe

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Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe may come as a surprise inclusion on this list, but he is the closest to replicating the exciting style of play Arsene demands from his players. After being beaten 3-1 by Arsenal in trying to attack and win the game rather than being content with a point; Howe replied by saying it is ‘not Bournemouth’s style to settle defensively’.  Refreshing words in times when teams love to park the bus and play out from the back.

He took the reins at Bournemouth when they were in League Two. Successfully saw them through three promotions and they look like a team that will be staying in the Premier League for a long time. The one drawback, however, is his inexperience of managing a title-winning side, or even title-contending sides.
Fancy seeing him at the Emirates?

Thomas Tuchel

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How can this list not include his name? Tuchel built his Dortmund team on an attacking philosophy, including a plethora of youngsters who are all stars of the game today.
Relentless pressing when not in possession was followed by ruthless attacking when on the ball, similar to the way Arsenal set up.
Frustrated with finishing second best behind Bayern, he called time on his Dortmund career to take a sabbatical from management. He is known for his winning mentality and can look to reignite that if Arsenal give him the opportunity to do so.

His lack of trophies during his managerial career might play foul on his chances of landing the Arsenal job, but he is a candidate nonetheless.

Patrick Vieira

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Patrick Vieira epitomizes Arsenal. He was the rock-solid foundation around which Wenger built his most successful Arsenal team. It would be a fairytale appointment, as the last player turned manager is currently sweeping everything in his reach, Zinedine Zidane, anyone?

Currently managing New York City FC, he too lacks formidable experience and trophies to justify his appointment but, could there be a better narrative than Arsenal finally winning the Premier League under the stewardship of Vieira, a club legend?