Arsenal legend and MLS coach Patrick Viera believes that Arsene Wenger is still the right man for the Gunners job, and says that he’s not yet ready to step into his shoes.
Despite the Gunners’ regular FA Cup successes and, with the exception of last season, consistent Champions League qualification, long-time manager Arsene Wenger has come under increasing criticism from fans and pundits who believe the club should be challenging for more trophies.
Speaking to ESPN FC about the Arsenal board’s decision to extend Wenger’s contract for two years in spite of calls for his sacking, Viera, now manager of MLS outfit New York City FC, urged fans to consider the benefits of having a manager who is so entrenched in the club.
“He shouldn’t (leave Arsenal) because I don’t think at the moment Arsenal can find a better manager than Arsene, honestly,” the former midfielder said.
“He has been at the club for so long and I think that is something that you have to prepare.
“Because when you look at other clubs around, when you look at managers who stayed at the club for years and years… it is not easy at all.
I think that it is something that you have to prepare because when you have stayed for 20 years in a club it is not like two years.
“To replace Arsene will be tough, it will be really difficult, and I think that is something that you have to plan.”
When asked whether he could see himself taking the mantle from his countryman, should he decide to vacate the job, Viera laughed and said: “Not for the next two years, no.”
