The name Arsène Wenger can’t cross your mind without thinking of Arsenal. The Frenchman had his hand in everything from transfers and tactics to the cutlery at the Emirates Stadium, a true manager in every sense of the word. However, since his emotional farewell in 2018,
Wenger is yet to return to the stadium he once built. “Would I return to the Emirates Stadium? I always said to myself that I would be leaving Arsenal completely. That's the decision I made,” he told beIN sports in 2020. Despite this, the idea of Wenger returning to overlook his former captain has an element of romance to it, but could he bring more than just romance?
Mikel Arteta has been open to the idea of Wenger returning in some capacity, speaking at Wenger Invincible premiere in 2021 he said: “Hopefully we can bring him close, because I think he will have a great time just seeing the environment he can create around him and around this place. I think it would be a great help, and it would be a great help for the club. Things take time and I think he has to dictate those timings. What I can say is from my side and I can talk, I think, on behalf of everybody that we would be delighted to have him much closer.”
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What could Wenger bring?
As Arteta says, Wenger could create an “environment”. The players high five his portrait on the wall every morning as they enter the training centre, with his quote: “Here you have the opportunity to get out the greatness that is in each of you” alongside. Wenger's influence still cloaks the football club from top to bottom, however, only 4 players from last season’s squad ever played under him (Nketiah, Elneny, Xhaka & Holding). Therefore, in spite of his legendary status he would be a fresh face for the majority of the players. His presence alone could elevate their morale, without needing a specific role.
Although improvement has been clear from Arteta’s side since he arrived, one thing he has consistently struggled with is goals. In the past 3 seasons, Arsenal have scored 56, 55 & 61 goals respectively. Wenger's flaws towards the end of his tenure were clear to many, however, one thing he never lost was his attacking flair, scoring 74 goals in his final season. A few subtle words of advice couldn’t hurt, could it?
Negatives of Wenger's return
Finding the negatives is easy. Arsenal have the perfect example in Sir Alex Ferguson, a man who decided to remain at the club after his near 27 year reign. Since then, they have struggled to live up to the high standards he once set, finishing below Arsenal in 6 of the 9 seasons since his departure. Has their demise been solely down to Sir Alex remaining? Of course not, but the tv cameras panning to his disgruntled face every time they concede can’t be enjoyable for any United fan.
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Nevertheless, having Wenger's around the club in a casual manner should bring more positives than negatives. Who knows, maybe we’ll see it next season.
Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Arsene Wenger
Calum Allsop