Arsene Wenger ‘surprised’ at job offers as he prepares for Arsenal farewell | Football News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Arsene Wenger ‘surprised’ at job offers as he prepares for Arsenal farewell

Agence France-Presse, London | ByAgence France-Presse
May 08, 2018 09:29 PM IST

Arsene Wenger will step down as Arsenal boss after Sunday’s Premier League trip to Huddersfield with Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri reportedly the first choice of the board as his replacement.

Arsene Wenger said today he has been surprised at the number of job offers he has received since his departure from Arsenal was announced, urging the club to appoint his successor as soon as possible.

Arsene Wenger bid farewell to Emirates Stadium which he helped to build in more ways than one when he led Arsenal.(AFP)
Arsene Wenger bid farewell to Emirates Stadium which he helped to build in more ways than one when he led Arsenal.(AFP)

The Frenchman will step down as Gunners boss after Sunday’s Premier League trip to Huddersfield, with Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri reportedly the first choice of the Arsenal board as his replacement.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

READ | India can finish among top-2 in AFC Asian Cup group: Bhaichung Bhutia

Wenger will leave after almost 22 years at the helm and was handed an emotional tribute from the club following Sunday’s 5-0 defeat of Burnley, his final game in charge at the Emirates Stadium.

The 68-year-old has said he will take a break from football before deciding on his next move but revealed on Tuesday he has not been short of suitors since last month’s surprise announcement.

Asked if he had received any offers, Wenger replied: “Yes, more than I expected!

“At the moment I focus on doing my job well. I didn’t analyse anything or consider anything. I want to work well until the last day of my contract, and then after, I will rest a little bit and go from there.”

Allegri, who is set to deliver a fourth successive Serie A title with Juventus, is reportedly the front-runner but Carlo Ancelotti and Luis Enrique, both currently out of work, have been linked with the job.

“I think the earlier, the better,” Wenger said when asked if an appointment should be made ahead of the World Cup, but he refused to be drawn on who he favoured.

READ | Roberto Mancini reaches agreement to coach Italy football team: Report

“People want hope and they need as well to prepare for the next season. I must say the squad doesn’t need much, because there’s a huge potential in there.

“There’s a good spirit, a good basis. It needs two or three additions and this team will compete for the championship next year.”

Arsenal’s last two games of the season come on the road, with the club yet to take a point away from home since the turn of the year.

Wenger is set to depart with the club finishing in sixth, the lowest position of his reign, and with no silverware following their Europa League semi-final exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid last week.

READ | Alex Ferguson, former Man Utd manager, showing signs of recovery: reports

Captain Laurent Koscielny was carried off on a stretcher early on in Thursday’s 1-0 defeat in Spain and Wenger confirmed the 32-year-old is “devastated” as he faces up to six months on the sidelines with a ruptured Achilles.

Catch all the Latest Football matches score updates alongwith EPL 2024 Schedule , ISL 2024 Schedule and other related updates on ISL 2024 Points table on The Hindustan Times website and App
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On