Who could replace Arsene Wenger?

So it looks like Arsene Wenger has signed another contract extension, keeping him at the Emirates for the next few years. But when the time comes, we certainly don’t want a catastrophic handover of managers the likes of which we have seen only recently with Manchester United. What is more important; a successful manager or one that is similar to Wenger?

One of the mistakes United made was appointing a manager who was similar to Ferguson when he took the helm, failing to recognise that the club needed a different role now. Ferguson adapted with the job and turned from a manager who created a Premiership winning side to one who could maintain a challenge over many years. Moyes came from Everton where he had done reasonably well given a modest budget, quite simply qualifications which were not relevant.

So who could step in to Wenger’s role when his time at Arsenal is over?

Pep Guardiola

If I had to pick anyone to take over from Wenger, it would be this man. A manager who prides himself on playing football the right way and he knows how to win. Ever since his managerial début at Barcelona the Spaniard has known success. Obviously he has always been at top clubs, but in the context of the Premier League Arsenal are just that. Although we have fallen short in the Premier League for some years now Wenger has been the most consistent manager, and Champions League football for the 17th consecutive year highlights that. Guardiola has repeatedly praised Wenger and his achievements, and I think he would be the best candidate to become the next manager of Arsenal.

Diego Simeone

This season has been Simeone’s grand revelation to the world. His Atletico Madrid side have grown in strength and confidence over the years since he took over in 2011, despite having to almost constantly sell their strongest players. He shows similarities to Wenger in the way he plays and also in the fact he does not rely on star players, but a whole team effort. Yes Diego Costa has been influential this season, but in the matches he has not played the team has rallied and shown how effective they are as a unit. Simeone also organises his teams well defensively, something Wenger fails to do at times.

Jurgen Klopp

Personality wise he is my favourite manager on this list by far. He is a loyal manager and he plays fast exciting football, both things that would endear him to any set of fans that he worked for. Klopp doesn’t have any experience outside of Germany but he has proven that he can fight teams on a European stage. He is another manager who has had to get by despite seeing many of his best players leave for major rivals, and if he were handed a decent transfer budget I think he could do exceptionally well over time.

All of these managers have a decent pedigree and would be a good choice when Wenger decides to leave. Who do you think should take control? Got a different suggestion?

Follow us on Facebook or Google+ for more updates