Arsenal: Timing the first problem to solve

Arsenal are beginning to hunt for Arsene Wenger’s successor in earnest. The first problem to solve is timing, however, one that they may have an answer for.

Arsenal are working their way towards appointing Arsene Wenger’s successor. It is the biggest decision that this club has had to make since the last time they hired a manager, 22 years ago. They need to get it right.

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And there is a myriad of avenues down which they can tread. No one really knows which one is the right one. No one really knows which one is the one that they will take. I was two the last time they had to make such a decision. Other than deriving from the characteristics of Wenger, it is impossible to say what this club wants in a manager.

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Nevertheless, that is the task that awaits Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis. But there is also a time element to the decision that is important. While the priority must be ensuring that the best individual hired, whoever that ‘best’ may be, if the decision is delayed too far into the summer, then they are immediately starting on the back foot and rushing to prepare themselves for the job before them.

Hesitation does not further Arsenal’s cause in this process whatsoever. Now, does that mean that they should rush into a decision simply because time is short and there is a deadline to meet? Absolutely not. That would be utterly foolish. It is far better to make a slow and correct appointment than a fast but misguided one. But the problem of timing is one that still needs solving. Thankfully, the club seem to have an answer.

According to David Ornstein of BBC Sport, a reporter who has an excellent record when it comes to reporting on Arsenal, Gazidis and the board have internally said that they want to make an appointment prior to the World Cup.

If that is true, then it certainly seems like a sensible timeframe to set. The World Cup will obviously provide a distraction for many players and managers throughout its duration so it will be difficult to hire someone then, and it does not end until July 15th. Bringing in a new manager at that point, just a month before the start of the new season, seems utterly stupid.

And so, Arsenal must be decisive and quick, though also efficient, effective and ultimately correct, in their search for a new manager. The two most prominent names, as of writing, are Massimiliano Allegri and Mikel Arteta. If they are indeed the frontrunners and they are the two candidates for the role, then it is important that the Gunners hire one of the two quickly.

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There is much work to be done for the new manager. They will need time and support. For that, the problem of timing must be solved. Hopefully, Gazidis has the right solution.