Buvac would be an interesting appointment for Arsenal

An interesting story emerged yesterday from Liverpool. On the verge of one of Liverpool’s biggest games of the season, a Champions League semi-final second leg against Roma, assistant boss Zeljko Buvac has been allowed leave until the summer.

Initial reports suggested that Buvac had quit his role. However, the Liverpool Echo reported that the Bosnian had in fact given leave and that the Reds were confident he would return to his role in the summer.

However, reports from a Bosnian publication, Pravdabl now claim that Buvac is set to succeed Arsene Wenger as Arsenal boss. The same Bosnian publication reportedly broke the news that Klopp would take over at Anfield back in October 2015. This would be an incredible story if there were any truth in it that is.

Out of nowhere

This story has come out of nowhere. Buvac has been at Klopp’s side during his managerial since 2001 at Mainz. The pair are reported to have a very good working and personal relationship.

For Buvac to seek to leave at this time, something major must be going on, as Klopp would no doubt want his assistant by his side at the Stadio Olimpico. Unconfirmed reports claim that the pair has had a bust-up.

Buvac has the nickname ‘the brain’ due to his tremendous tactical acumen. In fact, Buvac is reported to be the creator of the ‘Gegenpressing’ style of football that Klopp and his teams have become synonymous with in over a decade.

For Klopp to lose such an influential member of his backroom staff would be tough on the German. It could well affect his tactical approach in the future.

Has no managerial experience

Arsenal are still one of the biggest clubs in English football, in terms of stature, prestige and history. However, a number of coaches with very little experience have been mooted as possible replacements for the veteran Arsene Wenger.

The Gunners have been linked with the likes of Manchester City assistant Mikel Arteta and even Chelsea assistant boss Rui Faria, now Liverpool’s number two Buvac. The Liverpool number two is no doubt a highly-rated coach. However, at 56 years-old, the Bosnian has never had any experience of being a boss. History is littered with very good coaches who went on to fail in management.

Buvac no doubt has enough football knowledge, but why has it took him so long to want to be a manager, instead of just Klopp’s right-hand man? It seems a strange situation. Maybe he just felt it was the right time to move into managerial and gain some credit for his work.

Suddenly amongst the favourites for the job

The link between Buvac and the Arsenal job is understandable. The Bosnian worked alongside now Arsenal head of recruitment Sven Mislintat.

Buvac’s preferred style of attacking football would also fit that of Arsenal’s approach as well. He has also risen in the betting odds and is now second favourite for the job at 4/1.

Arsenal are in need of a major rebuild and fresh ideas. They will need a boss with major experience and tactical acumen to move them forward in the near future. The likes of Massimiliano Allegri, Luis Enrique, Carlo Ancelotti, Eddie Howe and Brendan Rodgers are also reportedly candidates to replace Wenger in north London.

This story really has created a stir in the media today. If it is true, then I am not sure what Gunners fans will make off it. I believe that everybody connected with the north London club would want to hire a highly experienced boss, who has a history of winning trophies.

It would be an extraordinary appointment from the Gunners. I just cannot see it happening. This story really should have a wait and see label on it.

Would Zeljko Buvac be a good appointment for Arsenal?