Ever since Unai Emery left the Gunners, there has been a lot of curiosity as to who is going to be the next Arsenal manager. Now, it seems that the club has made contact with a manager that may not have been on many people’s lists.
That is former Valencia manager Marcelino who was sacked by the Spanish club in the early stages of this season. As per reports from Goal, the out of work Spanish manager is high on the club’s wish list.
Marcelino had a great season in his first year at the Mestalla that ended in glory as they beat Barcelona 2-1 in the final of the Copa Del Rey.
Despite bringing silverware to the club, the report states that he was let go after a breakdown in relationship with team owner Peter Lim. The Gunners have made contact with the former Valencia boss and the Spaniard is keen on replacing Unai Emery.
Right now, club legend Freddie Ljungberg has been put in charge as a caretaker manager. His first game in charge did not go to plan as the club could not overcome a spirited Norwich City.
Marcelino was a very popular figure with the Valencia fans which made his departure feel even more surprising. If the Gunners are really keen on getting him, it will be easier than getting some of their other targets.
During his time at Villarreal and Valencia, Marcelino showed that he can play attacking football and that is something that will surely appeal to the Arsenal hierarchy. And it looks like they have already made the first move.
Perhaps the Gunners want Marcelino to take over in the summer and give Ljungberg some time to put his stamp on the team. The primary objective for Arsenal is to get back into the Champions League and for that to happen, results have to improve.
It is absolutely essential that the club thinks long and hard about the next appointment that they make. Following the legacy of a legendary manager like Arsene Wenger was always going to be difficult and it is a pity that Emery could not do as well as the board would have liked.
Now, they have a chance to right that wrong with the next man they choose. Arsenal fans will be hoping that the new manager will become a huge success.
