Who Took Over After Wenger? The Full Story

The departure of Arsène Wenger from Arsenal marked the end of an era. After 22 years of unparalleled influence, the question on everyone's lips was: who would step into the legendary manager's shoes? The answer, as it unfolded, was Unai Emery, a decision that sparked considerable debate and set the stage for a new chapter in the club's history. Let's dive deep into the circumstances surrounding Wenger's exit, the selection process, and how Emery's tenure eventually played out.

The End of an Era: Arsène Wenger's Departure

Arsène Wenger's reign at Arsenal was nothing short of transformative. Arriving in 1996, he revolutionized English football with his innovative training methods, dietary regimes, and tactical approaches. Wenger led the Gunners to unprecedented success, including three Premier League titles – one of which was the iconic Invincibles season of 2003-2004 – and seven FA Cups. His commitment to attractive, attacking football and his eye for spotting and nurturing young talent made Arsenal a formidable force both domestically and in Europe.

However, the later years of Wenger's tenure saw a decline in Arsenal's performance. The club struggled to compete with the financial might of rivals like Manchester City and Chelsea, and a series of disappointing league finishes and Champions League exits led to growing pressure from fans and pundits alike. Despite his legendary status, many felt that a fresh perspective was needed to revitalize the team and restore Arsenal to its former glory.

In April 2018, Wenger announced that he would be leaving Arsenal at the end of the season. The decision, described as mutual by the club, brought an end to a remarkable chapter in English football history. While Wenger's departure was met with sadness and nostalgia by many, it also presented an opportunity for Arsenal to embark on a new direction and usher in a new era of leadership.

The Search Begins: Identifying Wenger's Successor

With Wenger's departure confirmed, the Arsenal board, led by chief executive Ivan Gazidis, embarked on a thorough search for his successor. The selection process was meticulous, involving extensive data analysis, interviews, and background checks. The board sought a manager who could not only deliver immediate results but also align with the club's values and long-term vision.

The criteria for the new manager were clear: he needed to be tactically astute, have a proven track record of success, be capable of developing young players, and possess strong leadership skills. The board also emphasized the importance of finding someone who could foster a positive team environment and connect with the fans. Several names were linked with the job, including high-profile managers like Massimiliano Allegri, Thomas Tuchel, and Carlo Ancelotti.

However, Arsenal's search also focused on identifying up-and-coming coaches with innovative ideas and a hunger to prove themselves. This approach reflected the club's desire to build a sustainable model for success, rather than simply relying on short-term fixes. The board recognized that replacing a figure as iconic as Wenger would be a daunting task, and they were determined to find the right person to lead the club forward.

The Chosen One: Unai Emery's Appointment

After weeks of speculation, Arsenal announced the appointment of Unai Emery as their new head coach in May 2018. Emery, who had just left Paris Saint-Germain after winning a domestic treble, emerged as the preferred candidate due to his impressive track record and his alignment with Arsenal's vision. The Spaniard had previously enjoyed considerable success at Sevilla, leading them to three consecutive Europa League titles. His tactical flexibility, attention to detail, and passion for the game impressed the Arsenal board, who believed he was the right man to take the club forward.

Emery's appointment was met with a mixed reaction from fans and pundits. While some were excited by his proven ability to win trophies and his reputation for being a hard-working and dedicated coach, others questioned whether he had the charisma and personality to fill Wenger's shoes. Some critics also pointed to his limited success in the Champions League as a potential concern.

Nevertheless, Arsenal's board were confident that Emery possessed the qualities needed to succeed at the club. They were impressed by his detailed plans for improving the team, his commitment to developing young players, and his understanding of the club's values. Emery's arrival marked a new chapter in Arsenal's history, as the club looked to move on from the Wenger era and embark on a new era of success.

Unai Emery's Tenure: A Period of Transition

Unai Emery's time at Arsenal was a period of transition, marked by both promise and disappointment. In his first season, he led the Gunners to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League and reached the final of the Europa League, where they were defeated by Chelsea. While Arsenal showed signs of improvement under Emery, they ultimately fell short of securing a Champions League spot, which was the club's primary objective.

Emery attempted to implement a more structured and pragmatic approach, focusing on improving the team's defensive organization and tactical flexibility. He also sought to develop young players like Alex Iwobi, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and Matteo Guendouzi. However, his tactics were often criticized for being too cautious and lacking the attacking flair that had characterized Wenger's Arsenal.

Off the field, Emery faced challenges in adapting to the English culture and language. His communication skills were sometimes criticized, and he struggled to connect with the fans in the same way that Wenger had. Despite his best efforts, Emery was unable to fully win over the Arsenal faithful, who remained divided over his appointment.

The Inevitable Departure: Why Emery's Time Ended

After a promising first season, Unai Emery's second campaign at Arsenal proved to be a major disappointment. The team struggled for consistency, and a series of poor results led to growing pressure from fans and the media. Arsenal's performances were often lackluster, and the team lacked a clear identity or direction.

Emery's tactics were increasingly questioned, and his team selections were often unpredictable. He struggled to find a settled starting eleven, and his substitutions were frequently criticized for being ineffective. Off the field, Emery's relationship with some of the players reportedly deteriorated, and there were concerns about his leadership and man-management skills.

In November 2019, following a 2-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League, Arsenal announced that Unai Emery had been relieved of his duties. The decision was met with a sense of relief by many Arsenal fans, who had grown increasingly frustrated with the team's performances under his leadership. Emery's tenure at Arsenal lasted just 18 months, and he left the club with a record of 43 wins, 16 draws, and 20 defeats in all competitions.

The Aftermath: What Happened After Emery Left?

Following Unai Emery's departure, Arsenal appointed Freddie Ljungberg as interim head coach. Ljungberg, a former Arsenal player and coach, was tasked with stabilizing the team and improving morale. However, his tenure was short-lived, as he only managed to win one of his five Premier League games in charge.

In December 2019, Arsenal appointed Mikel Arteta as their new head coach. Arteta, who had previously served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City, was seen as a promising young coach with a clear vision for the future. His arrival was met with optimism by Arsenal fans, who hoped that he could bring a new sense of direction and purpose to the club.

Arteta has since overseen a significant overhaul of the squad, bringing in new players and implementing a new tactical approach. He has also focused on improving the team's culture and instilling a greater sense of discipline and professionalism. While Arsenal's progress under Arteta has been gradual, there are signs that the club is moving in the right direction. He has won the FA Cup and the Community Shield, and he is committed to restoring Arsenal to its former glory.

Conclusion: Reflecting on the Post-Wenger Era

The decision to replace Arsène Wenger was always going to be a difficult one for Arsenal. Wenger's legacy at the club is unmatched, and finding a manager who could replicate his success was an almost impossible task. Unai Emery's appointment was a bold move by Arsenal, but ultimately it did not work out as planned. While he brought some positive changes to the club, he was unable to deliver the sustained success that the fans craved.

The post-Wenger era has been a period of transition for Arsenal, marked by both challenges and opportunities. The club has undergone significant changes both on and off the field, and it is still in the process of rebuilding and redefining itself. Mikel Arteta's appointment represents a new chapter in Arsenal's history, and the club's fans will be hoping that he can lead them back to the top of English football. Only time will tell if he can succeed where others have failed, but one thing is certain: the legacy of Arsène Wenger will continue to loom large over Arsenal for many years to come.