Wenger wants Dutch of class
IN THE KNOW, INSIDE THE GAME EX-GUNS REVIVE AJAX
ARSENE WENGER sneered at the idea of Arsenal hiring a technical director.
But if he wants to see the benefits of having one, he just needs to look at rejuvenated Ajax.
Whereas the 67-year-old Wenger governs Arsenal like Louis XVI ruled France – with fans threatening a revolution this season – the Dutch club are thriving thanks to a star-named backroom staff.
Wenger has always bristled when it has been suggested that any of his backroom staff had a major influence on something positive happening at the club.
Most notably assistant Steve Bould, who has, at times, been credited with sorting out the club’s defensive woes.
At once-mighty Ajax, things are really looking up again, with two key personnel in the revival being former Gunners.
Throttle
Marc Overmars is the technical director and Dennis Bergkamp assistant manager.
Richard Witschge, who also played for Barcelona, and Aaron Winter (Inter and Lazio) are also on the coaching staff.
Last night Ajax were playing Lyon in the second leg of the Europa League semi-finals.
In the first encounter they won 4-1 with a team in which seven of the starting line-up were 21 or under.
Arsenal have had Alex Iwobi come through this season, but their youth production line has hardly been at full throttle in recent years.
Surely the board must have at least considered making a move for Overmars and/or Bergkamp.
The Gunners, who travel to Stoke tomorrow, may still make it into the Champions League.
But after Wenger appeared to belittle the claim by chief executive Ivan Gazidis that the club need to change their coaching set-up, there must be a doubt over whether he will lead them back into Europe’s top competition.