Arsenal: Time not a factor in managerial decision

Per David Ornstein, in their search for a new head coach, Arsenal are prioritising candidates who are available immediately. That is the wrong way to go about it.

In the coming days and weeks, Arsenal have some serious decisions to make. After sacking Unai Emery earlier in the season, the club committed to a new era just 18 months after hitting the restart button following Arsene Wenger’s reign.

Find the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal Podcast here — Emergency: Unai Emery sacked

While the decision to fire Emery was the correct one, it is now important the club appoints a successful successor. It would be extremely worrying if they made another mistake regarding the hiring of a new head coach.

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After Freddie Ljungberg led the team as interim head coach on Sunday, the club now turns its attention to finding a permanent manager. Ljungberg will be in the fray, especially if results are positive, but his lack of senior experience might preclude him from serious consideration.

There are many other names that have been linked with the role, some more exciting than others. But according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal will prioritise those that are presently available. In his Monday morning column, Ornstein writes:

"“While there is no specific period for Ljungberg’s interim role and he should not be completely discounted as a full-time option, the expectation is that the job will go to an external candidate. The Athletic understands Arsenal have priority names and the initial focus is on candidates who are immediately available.”"

Quite how accurate this reporting remains to be seen, and it would certainly lead to Mauricio Pochettino and Massimiliano Allegri being considered key targets, given that they are currently out of jobs, but is it actually wise of the club to prioritise managers that they can bring in immediately.

While hiring a manager that can start right away is obviously preferable, if it means that you accept your second choice just because they can start by Christmas, it is not exactly wise thinking. Yes, they may start sooner than another candidate, but it is much more beneficial to wait to get your number one. For instance, if Arsenal believe that Brendan Rodgers is the best candidate and he is not available until the end of the season, as has been reported, then it is better to employ Ljungberg until the summer and wait than rush in a second choice.

Thankfully, despite Ornstein’s reporting, Josh Kroenke’s recent statement regarding the decision to sack Emery echoed that sentiment:

"“Because of our confidence in Freddie we’re very fortunate that we’re going to be entering into our process and doing a thorough search and it’s about finding the right candidate, it’s not about finding the first candidate.”"

It remains to be seen how Arsenal will handle the hiring process. They were extremely patient last time, with Emery coming from nowhere to take the job at the last second. They might be a little more decisive this time around, but it must all be with the acceptance that time should not be a factor. Getting the right man is what matters, not when you get him.