Ben Guest
Well what a day yesterday was, as Arsene Wenger finally decided to hang up his long grey Arsenal trench-coat as he announced he is to step down as Gunners manager this summer.
The announcement triggered a swathe of tributes to the Frenchman, who has presided over 22 seasons of Premier League football with the North London club, winning three league titles and seven FA Cups.
No sooner had the shockwaves started to die down about the announcement, speculation started as to who would replace him.
Thomas Tuchel, Luis Enrique and Brendan Rodgers have all been linked with taking over at the Emirates, but former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has refused to rule himself out of the running to replace the long standing Frenchman.
“I can say I would like to work again, but that depends on me. If I find the right possibility, the right project I would be delighted to continue.”
Responding to the news of Wenger’s impending departure, he added: “It’s a great decision, but I think it’s the decision Mr Wenger [made] with a lot of respect for the club and also I think the club have shown a lot of respect.
“That is right – Wenger did a fantastic job, and is doing a fantastic job with Arsenal because he is in the semi-final of the Europa League. Great respect and great honour to Arsene.”
Arsenal currently sit 14 points behind fourth placed Tottenham, and are without an away win in the league in the whole of 2018.
They can still qualify for the Champions League of course by winning the Europa League, although they do have. The formidable tournament favourites Atletico Madrid in their way in the semi-finals.