7M - Is Allegri an ideal replacement for Wenger?

Posted Tuesday, March 07, 2017 by 7M Sport

Arsenal's time with club managerial legend Arsene Wenger is drawing to an end. The Frenchman is yet to accept a new contract offer from the club and could choose to leave North London. And the chiefs of Arsenal have given him deadline to make decision on his future.

On the other hand, the links to who will be the next head coach are all over the place. From Rafael Benitez to Diego Simeone, every big-time manager with a chance of leaving is going to be linked to this hot job.

But the Gunners' link to Massimiliano Allegri grows day by day. Aside from this rumor, nothing else seems like it is progressing. Allegri's link to Emirates Stadium is built on solid foundation and rumor has it that he even told his friends he will take the Arsenal job next season.

So we may basically assume that the Italian would be the only plausible successor of Arsene Wenger, no matter what time the latter chooses to leave his 20-year-old post. Then we should ask a question for the Gunners' fans: Is Allegri an ideal replacement for Wenger? Our answer is a resounding yes. Please hear us out.

First of all, Allegri is able to bring a winning mentality and characteristics to Arsenal. Let's face it, can FA Cup trophy be compared to UEFA Champions League 2nd place? I don't think so. And we don't have to drag Serie A titles and Coppa Italia records into discussion. Allegri's squad has never been favourites in the biggest event in Europe. Although he failed to achieve that ultimate dream, no one can deny that the Old Lady were so remarkable in UEFA Champions League over the recent years. This is exactly the trait that Arsenal are craving for. Meanwhile, under Wenger's reign over the last decade, Arsenal find it so hard to lift a heavy-weight trophy, which is something so familiar for the Bianconeri.

Secondly, Allegri is a similar figure to Antonio Conte as a wise tactician. He is able to motivate his squad through his style of football. This season, he's changed Juventus into a 4-2-3-1 formation and it has paid off once again. Compared to Wenger's stubbornness, the 50-year-old doesn't care about creating tactical legacies and isn't stuck to one specific style of play. If he spots problems, he adjusts the game plan accordingly. There are a few who understand the strengths and weaknesses of his own side and the opponents like Allegri.

Last but not least, it's time to bring some changes! Wenger has created so many legacies in Arsenal, but maybe he should take on Sir Alex Ferguson's footstep and pass on the realm to others. No one can argue that Arsenal isn't a great club. And just like Manchester United, they may encounter serious problems if Wenger leaves his seat and the club couldn't find the right one to succeed. Therefore Allegri would be a reasonable and safe choice for them, as mentioned above.

A period of 20 years is long enough to make people numb, but the younger Allegri will wake the Gunners up.

(7M/Russell)