Arsene Wenger says he’s happy with his coaching staff but hasn’t ruled out Mikel Arteta joining his backroom team in the future.
The Spaniard, who is currently sidelined by a recurring calf problem, is undertaking his coaching badges with the Welsh FA and has been spotted training Arsenal’s youngsters at Hale End as part of the course.
Given his injury problems the 33-year-old looks likely to call time on his Gunners career at the end of the season, however, Wenger is open to retaining his captain in another capacity.
“He has to go through the youth system first, but I don’t rule that out [that he could be on the coaching staff],” said Wenger.
“At the moment I don’t have a real need. Our average age is quite high on my staff. they are all good. I am happy with all my staff at the moment. But I think he can be a coach in the future yes and certainly here.”
It’s not the first time that Wenger has spoken in glowing terms of Arteta potentially becoming a coach. In October the manager said: “Mikel has a huge influence even when he is not playing. He is super conscientious, and every morning two hours before training he prepares and that is absolutely right.
“Just through his behaviour, his focus on getting everything right in the team, he has a huge influence. He has great experience and is respected throughout the squad.
“I really hope Mikel considers going into coaching. When you manage, you want to see your players continue and see them give their experience and knowledge back.
On the subject of Arteta’s injury – the latest setback sustained at West Brom last month – Wenger gave the following update: “It is the same calf injury, but every time I take a gamble and put him back in he has a setback.
“This time I want to be a little more cautious and get him to play one or two games in the reserves before he comes back and plays.”
Mikel will be a positive influence and would defo make a terrific mentor to budding stars. Good hair too.
You can’t coach hair like that, you either have it or you don’t! Boy howdy does he have it.
If it wasn’t for injuries, he has three more years in MLS in him. Will definitely become a PL manager in the mold of Pochettino but I hope he doesn’t get a despicable team like Pochettino did.
Wonder what other Arsenal legends feel given that they were never given this opportunity
Very few of them were actually taking their badges or were close to completion when retiring. It was usually a bit later and most times after they had mouthed off in the press.
They were. Viera was upset because Wenger didn’t beg him on his knees, Bergkamp, TH is there, Keon and others couldn’t resist on TV, Bendtner is definitely coming back, no one , I mean no one can move merson out of that chair, Hleb will be president soon, and Campbell (you know, the tory one) has been told not to come any where near emirates because of Jeremy Corbyn etc..so which other legend are you on about mate?
@Ozil’s eyes. Maybe the other Arsenal ‘legends’ to whom you refer, weren’t as cut-out for coaching?
Watching him sit on the bench next to Steve Bould’s chrome dome and Wenger’s silvery head of hair would be a great contrast.
Oh dear. Looks like Van Gaal is at it again. Wonder how Wenger will defend him this time. Love the guy simply for flogging that cunt juddas to turkey though
Good day so far. A victory over Southampton and it will put us in first and make it a great day!! Let’s go Gunners. Just do it!! COYG. ARSENALLL,ARSENALLL, ARSENALLL!!
Is that you Shia Lebeof?
On the big match my Saints season ticket holding friend says: ‘you will either win about 5-0 or 2-0, depending on whether you ease up or not. Expect us to have a decent first 20 mins, probably including a couple of bad misses, then will give away a dreadful goal and never look like scoring thereafter. We are very poor at the moment and no obvious improvement in sight. Arsenal are apparently still evens for a win – if any of your mates like a bet tell them to put the house on it.’ No guarantees of course, especially if… Read more »
Nope. We failed miserably 4-0
We miss Alexis now
Saints fans are a realistic bunch and they are one of my favorite teams. Just look at the amazing development work they do, the players that have come through on the south coast and have gone on. I think they know as much as their team did do very well today, we were piss poor and made them look even better. Wanyama has had a real on off season for them yet many will be fooled into thinking on the back of our miserable performance (again) they he should be our answer in midfield. OTOH, Sending on Calum for Flamini… Read more »
If Wenger feels he has the acumen, Arteta should take it on. He has been a stalwart for us. Always massively underrated, he was above all the player Wenger brought in to stabilise the ship when we were starting to suffer key departures every season. He was the start of the reconstruction work and moved into an unfamiliar role holding midfield which he did well for us for a number of seasons before the knocks and age started to take a toll. As I have mentioned before, Arteta (and Rosicky)will likely retire this season (I was surprise Wenger even kept… Read more »
Given the position he plays, and his fantastic positional play, I think he’d make a great manager. Modesty, humility is what makes a great manager too and I think he has these qualities. BFG would also make a great manager, IMO.