The former Gunners striker has urged an under-fire Spaniard to prove that he is the right man for the job and end links to an ex-Juventus coach
Alan Smith claims it is “an open secret” that former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is being recommended to Arsenal amid their ongoing struggles, with Mikel Arteta told he is going to have to show no weakness in order to “survive” the rumours.
The Gunners have continued to stumble out of the blocks in 2020-21, with their worst start made to a Premier League campaign.
Inability to establish any kind of momentum has the north London outfit languishing in the bottom-half of the table and glancing anxiously over their shoulder at the drop zone below them.
Unsurprisingly, questions are being asked of Arteta’s ongoing presence, with a rookie coach finding out the hard way just how tough life at the top can be.
Arsenal have offered no indication that they are contemplating another managerial change, but Smith says potential successors – including one notable Italian – are being lined up and that an inexperienced Spaniard needs to get his house in order at Emirates Stadium.
The former Gunners striker told the Evening Standard: “As an inexperienced boss finding life difficult just now, the Spaniard will quickly find out if he's got the backing of his players, particularly senior ones more willing to speak out.
“Because when results go against you, when the going gets tough, footballers start to complain. Nothing new there. That has always happened. But the modern day player holds a lot more sway. They are indeed more powerful as independent entities earning serious money.
“In addition, it's an open secret among football agents that Max Allegri, the Italian coach who enjoyed great success at Juventus, is being recommended as Arsenal's next manager.
“Not by the club I should stress, but by outside forces who want to capitalise on a difficult moment for the young manager. They seem to think Allegri would stand more of a chance, what with his years of experience in Serie A.
To survive situations like this, Arteta needs unequivocal backing from those above. The management structure, led by chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and possibly including Stanley Kroenke's son Josh, must take decisive steps to publicly support their manager to avoid his authority getting undermined. Those recent words of support from Edu, the technical director, are a start but not enough.
“In tandem, Arteta has got to make clear to the dressing room who's calling the shots, who's actually in charge of this listing ship. Because if players sense weakness, attitudes can swiftly change. Respect for the boss starts falling away. That's why Arteta's message must be clear and strong.”
Arsenal, who have gone six Premier League games without a win stretching back to November 1, will return to action on Saturday when they take in a trip to Everton.
I have always liked arteta especially since he wanted to become a manager and became no2 to one of the best managers in the world but this was not going to be the best 1st job he should of taken he should of gone to the championship first but I mainly blame the current players at arsenal who ha e no respect for the club including the manager and they know the board don't care either and even if arteta doesn't stay as manager I hope he stays at the club ... how ever we need pro e pedigree at the club and Massimiliano Allegri has that quality that may save our club and for that one reason arteta needs to stand down if Allegri would agree to take over in principle or the board should take the steps to relive arteta of this demolition derby that is happening before we end up in a Premier league fight for survival and this club should be now where near this sorry arteta but if you live this club like you say you do please,please step down as you have lost the dressing room and a very high percentage of the supporters by the game .... I wish the players would of done better for you but the rot has set in and like any infection and rotting it needs to be stopped before it kills us off for good I know many will disagree with this and say arteta just needs time ... but how much longer .... till we are relegated ? We need action now and Massimiliano Allegri is the most experienced out there to bring us back from the brink ....
ReplyDeleteI have always liked arteta especially since he wanted to become a manager and became no2 to one of the best managers in the world but this was not going to be the best 1st job he should of taken he should of gone to the championship first but I mainly blame the current players at arsenal who ha e no respect for the club including the manager and they know the board don't care either and even if arteta doesn't stay as manager I hope he stays at the club ... how ever we need pro e pedigree at the club and Massimiliano Allegri has that quality that may save our club and for that one reason arteta needs to stand down if Allegri would agree to take over in principle or the board should take the steps to relive arteta of this demolition derby that is happening before we end up in a Premier league fight for survival and this club should be now where near this sorry arteta but if you live this club like you say you do please,please step down as you have lost the dressing room and a very high percentage of the supporters by the game .... I wish the players would of done better for you but the rot has set in and like any infection and rotting it needs to be stopped before it kills us off for good I know many will disagree with this and say arteta just needs time ... but how much longer .... till we are relegated ? We need action now and Massimiliano Allegri is the most experienced out there to bring us back from the brink ....
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