Is Patrick Vieira ready to manage Arsenal?

The repercussions of Arsene Wenger’s surprise announcement that he will leave Arsenal after 22 years in charge at the end of the season are immense. One of the biggest question marks left after the announcement is who will the next Gunners boss. That is not an easy question to answer, with so many high-profile bosses linked with one of the biggest jobs in English football.

However, Wenger recently stated that he believed that former Gunners captain and now New York City FC boss Patrick Vieira could succeed him as Arsenal boss. That is some compliment to Vieira, but is that a realistic possibility?

Not coached in European football

Patrick Vieira’s coaching career is very much in its infancy at the moment. The Frenchman’s only coaching experience is as Manchester City reserve boss and two seasons with New York City FC in MLS.

That is not the CV of a boss who could take over at one of English football’s traditional powerhouses, even if he is a club legend. Arsenal fans will like the idea of the Frenchman returning to the club as boss.

However, looking at the situation in the cold light of day, Vieira does not yet possess the necessary experience as a boss to replace Arsene Wenger in north London.

Flattered but dismissed Arsenal links

Judging by what Vieira told US Radio station WNYE, Vieira does not believe he is ready to be the next Gunners boss. He told WNYE: “I spent nine years at Arsenal which makes the club really special for me,”

“But that is not enough to coach the team.

“I am always flattered to hear my name linked with different football clubs. That is good for your ego but at the same time, I am happy here. We will see what will happen in the next couple of years.”

That statement is one of a man who is looking at the situation in a logical manner. No doubt, he loves the club and wants the best for the Gunners. However, he does not believe he has the tools to help the club return to past glories, just yet.

Vieira has always been a leader and he is building up his coaching experience in the MLS with a view to one day managing a big European team. The fact he is learning his trade out of the limelight of the British media is probably a blessing.

He is such a high-profile figure that if he was managing an English club there would be scrutiny of every move he made and it may hamper his development as a coach. Since the aforementioned interview, Vieira has fallen to odds of 10/1 to be the next Arsenal boss.

More experienced and high-profile bosses out there

For me, if I were on that Arsenal board I would overlook Vieira, simply because there are much more experienced coaches out there who could bring success to the north London club.

The likes of Luis Enrique, Massimiliano Allegri and Carlo Ancelotti have all enjoyed trophy-laden managerial careers in club football. They are coaches of the highest calibre, who have managed the biggest clubs in Europe.

Taking the sentiment out of it, Vieira is not in the same league when it comes to coaching, because those guys have had years of experience in the European game. Most Arsenal fans would take any of that trio for the clubs next boss.

Patrick Vieira is an Arsenal and Premier League legend. He has made a bright start to his coaching career. One day he may well return to the club as boss. However, I highly doubt that day has yet come and believe that the club hierarchy will feel the same way.

Is Patrick Vieira ready to be the next Arsenal boss?