Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has announced he’ll be leaving the club at the end of the season, bringing an end to his 22-year reign.
The statement was issued on Friday, saying the Frenchman will be stepping down as Arsenal manager in the middle of a two-year deal signed last summer.
The timing of the report was a shock to the football world, but it has been coming given how much the Gunners have struggled of late.
Wenger helped turn Arsenal into the one of the best sides in England during his 22 years. He also changed the playing philosophy in England which will be his legacy.
Football Weeks has identified three managers in Europe who could replace Wenger next season.
Max Allegri
Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri is vastly experienced in Europe and is one of the most successful active coaches.
Since taking over from Antonio Conte at Juve, he’s led the Turin-based club to three consecutive domestic doubles, while reaching two Champions League finals.
Allegri is highly-rated for his man-management skills and adaptability. He has trained Juve to employ a system brilliant at taking advantage of opponents’ errors and minimising their own.
His teams plays offensive football but are also tactically-aware. Arsenal are in need of a manager with fresh ideas away from Wenger’s methodologies.
Allegri is the best candidate to replace the Frenchman, but time will tell if the Gunners make an approach.
Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel is renowned for his aggressive playing style. He made his name as a manager while in charge of Bundesliga side Mainz. before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2015 as Jurgen Klopp‘s replacement.
Tuchel has eight years of managerial experience in Germany, but their are doubts over his ability to coach Arsenal after he was sacked by Dortmund amid rumours of a fallout with the club hierarchy.
The 44-year-old had led Dortmund to the 2016/17 DFB-Pokal just weeks earlier.
Despite that one black mark, Tuchel has a good reputation in football as one of the most tactically-minded coaches. One of his strong suits is readily reacting to the tactics of the opponent.
Given his young age, the German could enjoy a long tenure at the Emirates if Arsenal did come in for him.
Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti is another manager who has tasted rich success, like Allegri, wherever he’s been. An experienced and clever coach, the former Bayern Munich boss would represent an iconic figure at the Emirates.
Arsenal haven’t won the Premier League title since 2003/04, but Ancelotti led Chelsea to the crown in 2009/10. He’s also won the Serie A title with AC Milan, Ligue 1 crown with Paris Saint-Germain and Bundesliga title with Bayern.
The 58-year-old has also won three Champions League titles as a manager, which speaks volumes about his pedigree in the game.