Former Arsenal’s defender, Gallas has called for managerial change at the Emirates Stadium claiming Mikel Arteta wasn’t the right choice for the Gunners.
William Gallas, former Arsenal defender has questioned why the rookie coach was handed the reins stating Arteta was never the right option for Arsenal. In this case, according to the former defender, Arsenal should look into bringing Patrick Vieira back to the club.
Arteta was handed the reins at the Emirates Stadium back in December 2019 where he took over from Unai Emery after the latter was dismissed from his managerial roles. Currently, Arteta has reached his one-year in the dugout with the FA Cup and the Community Shield triumphs representing notable highs during his first 12 months.
However, questions are now being asked of how much longer he will last in the most demanding of roles with Arsenal off to their worst start in a Premier League season. Inexperience from a man in his first managerial role is considered by many to be showing despite plenty of criticism being aimed in the direction of those in the field.
Galls believes a more proven performer should have been sought when replacing Emery.
“What’s going on at Arsenal? It’s a question I think everybody has asked this season. I don’t know the answer”.
“I think maybe the issue at the moment is that Arteta is not the right manager. For me, he doesn’t have the experience to manage a big club. I was surprised when he came in-to be honest. Even as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, you need experience as a manager to come into a club like Arsenal. You need to know how to manage 25 players”.
“All the pressure is on your shoulders and you make all the decisions. Some players will be upset that they aren’t playing and it’s something you need experience in dealing with. If you’re managing a side and the players you’re starting don’t perform well, the players who are on the bench will be upset”.
“After a few games the players who aren’t playing will be frustrated and maybe those players don’t respect the manager anymore. Especially if that manager doesn’t have experience”.
“If I was a player at Arsenal now, I think it all depends on whether you’re a young player or a more experienced name. The young players will respect Arteta. But the players who have more experience may not”.
“The players who aren’t getting into the team will be saying to themselves, ‘Ok. I’m on the bench. We haven’t been getting good results. What’s going on? Why am I not playing? It will start from there”.
Change is Required at Arsenal.
Gallas feels change may be required once again in north London in order to stop the rot, with another familiar face open to offers after being relieved of his duties at Ligue 1 side Nice.
The former France international added on Vieira, who remains a legend at Arsenal from his playing days: “When they chose Mikel Arteta to come in and replace Unai Emery, in my mind Patrick Vieira was the name I thought they should have gone for. I don’t know how close he was or if he was in the running at all, but I was surprised they didn’t even mention his name.
“Patrick has more experience than Mikel because he’s managed in America and he spent time at Nice. So when the Arsenal board decided to pick a new manager I thought Patrick would get the call. He was captain of Arsenal and he knows the club very well. Patrick was the right guy then.
“If they have to sack Mikel Arteta, they have to choose Patrick Vieira to replace him, and I’m sure all the fans would love it.”