Napoli FC’s ambivalent coach may become Everton FC’s gain; so is Manchester City’s valuable loss of its assistant coach to hopeless Arsenal FC. Few coaches, let alone assistants, can forsake a relatively successful club of Manchester City’s caliber for a dreadful Arsenal FC. Yet, Pep Guadiolla’s assistant coach at City Mikel Arteta took an unexpected plunge. Few so it coming.
Mikel Arteta has signed for a three-and-half-year deal at Arsenal Football Club. He will cut his teeth as a full-time manager on Saturday’s game against Everton, his former club.
There is a familiar air between 37-year old Arteta and Arsenal though. Being a former captain, he is no stranger to the Londoners. He succeeds another Spanish coach Unai Emery, dismissed after a terrible run at Arsenal.
Taking a baton from a former Gunners midfielder Freddie Ljungberg brought in as a caretaker coach, Arteta is expected to turn the tide given his contribution at Manchester City for the past three (3) seasons.
In May 2014, Mikel Arteta had an eye and definitely a vision for this job long before Arsenal thought of making him the club’s manager:
“My philosophy will be clear. I will have everyone 120% committed, that’s the first thing. If not, you don’t play for me. When it’s time to work it’s time to work, that commitment is vital.”
Ex-Gunners manager Arsene Wenger said on Sky Sports News: “He is intelligent, passionate and knowledge.” It is crucial for every manager to understand the club’s culture and its values and respect in a bid to fulfill the mandate, Wenger weighed in.
Arteta kitted out for Barcelona FC and Real Sociedad FC (both Spanish), Paris Saint-Germain FC (France), and Arsenal FC for 5-year stint in 2011 from Everton among others.
But why would he leave a successful story in Manchester for a radarless one in London? May it have anything to do with autonomy, thus, seek to make a historic turnaround out of a miserable club like Arsenal? Or can it be foretelling a much bigger story than that – a story that does not even entail Arsenal FC?
Only he could shed some light on these vexing developments.
For now though the facts are that Arteta is no longer part of Pep Guadiolla’s last season’s concurring dream club. He has ultimately rejoined the Gunners.
The Spanish bonds have broken. The next time they meet pitch side in opposite dugouts, they will be adverse rivals more than reliant confidants they once were. How the clock turns!
Everton lure Ancelloti
Not long was Carlo Ancelloti fired from Italian Serie A side Napoli FC had he moved to the English Premier League Everton FC.
It is widely reported that Ancelloti has signed a three-and-half years to become Everton manager.
The 60-year-old Italian boosts a rich European career. He has won UEFA Champions League twice with Milan and once with Real Madrid). Furthermore, he has earned the FIFA Club World Cup honours managing Milan and Real Madrid on two occasions (for both).
Ancelloti’s association with Napoli held so much promise upon his acquisition. Unfortunately, he did not fulfill the club’s expectations at a local front (Serie A), hence the termination of his services almost a year and half.
He was dismissed after qualifying Napoli for the last 16 of the European Championship League (UCL) by a 4-0 scoreline. Hardly the reason to sack. It might mean his release was on the works (long) before the UCL last 16 qualification.
Now he goes to the troubled Merseyside to succeed Silva who also failed to turn the tide. How Everton lured such a highly rated manager to London is still a misery. But it happened.
The Ex-Italy assistant [1992/93 & 1994/95] is not new to the (EPL). He was Chelsea FC manager – a top London club – from Jul. 1, 2009 to May 22, 2011.
Among other prominent clubs he managed are Bayern Munich (Germany), Paris Saint-Germain (France), Juventus (Italy).
Carlo Ancelloti is a well-travelled successful football coach.