Arsenal fans may be saying a goodbye to a true arsenal legend, Pat Rice. Is Grampus Eight manager Dragan Stojkovic set to replace him? Other contenders are Tony Adams, Steve Bould and Patrick Vieira.
The current arsenal assistant manager has been part of the football club as a coach since 1984. Arséne Wenger and Pat have formed a terrific partnership together. However, the understudy to Arséne is considering retiring from his role at the end of this season due to a chronic knee injury.
There are also reports that Rice’s wife is ill, and he would like to spend more time looking after her, rather than focusing on Arsenal. The impact he has had on the club has been immense. He nurtured the youth team to FA youth cup wins as a youth coach before winning numerous trophies as assistant manager alongside Wenger, including being part of the incredible unbeaten season of 2003/4. Wenger, since the possibility of Rice retiring was announced, has spoken highly of Pat’s work, saying what an inspiration he is to Arsenal Football Club, and that he hopes Rice will stay. However, it is looking increasingly unlikely that Rice will stay even one more season.
If Rice is to go, who would be the one to replace him? Highly-rated coach Bould could be an internal promotion. However, there are other, arguably better people to appoint. Vieira has also been mentioned as a possible successor. Vieira has hinted that he is considering retiring Manchester City at the end of the season, already admitting he would love to go back to his former club Arsenal.
His qualities are obvious. He a strong leader, which is what the team has been missing this season and the last few trophy less seasons. His winning mentality would undoubtedly inspire the team and would be crucial especially in pressurised time, such as a cup final or the title run in.
Wenger has also spoken glowingly about Stojkovic, who also played under Wenger as a player, so will have gained some experience from his style of coaching. Someone with the same mentality as Wenger could be a good and bad thing for arsenal fans. Some fans have become frustrated with being unable to win a trophy for six years, therefore asking Wenger to be sacked.
If Stojkovic was to come in, even as manager after Wenger, he may bring the same footballing mentality as Wenger. However, it has been successful in the past, so why can’t it work again? The final possibility I will feature is Arsenal legend Adams. Adams, who is currently of Azerbaijan side Gabala FC, would bring many leadership skills and a winning mentality, just like Vieira.
Something Adams has which Vieira doesn’t however, is experience in working as an assistant manager. Adams is also an avid follower of Arsenal, and that’s why I think out of these three coaches, I feel he is the best suited to the job, if Pat Rice is to leave.
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