Wenger names shock successor

LONDON. — Arsene Wenger has identified Feyenoord boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst as a potential successor at Arsenal when he steps down as manager. The 68-year-old Frenchman has this season and next left on his contract.

And finding someone to step into his shoes looks set to be a massive task for the Gunners board. If he decides to go at the end of the 2018-19 season it will see him having spent almost 23 years at the club.

Starsport can reveal Wenger sees Van Bronckhorst (42) as a top candidate, along with Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe, who is three years younger. The former Netherlands midfielder spent two seasons as a player under Wenger at Arsenal, winning the title in 2002 and FA Cup the following season.

He then went on to have a successful career at Barcelona. His football education has been an impressive one working under the likes of Wenger, Guus Hiddink, Dick Advocaat, and Frank Rijkaard when playing for the Netherlands, Rangers, Arsenal and Barcelona. He has been boss of Feyenoord since March 2015 and in his first full season he led them to victory in the KNVB Cup.

In his second season, the Rotterdam outfit landed the Dutch title, their first in 18 years. His star has waned a little this season, with his team struggling to cope with the demands of the Champions League and a domestic campaign.

But they salvaged some pride in Europe on Tuesday restricting Manchester City to a 1-0 victory in their group and Van Bronckhorst has had to operate on a limited budget, with the club having suffered financial problems for many years. Wenger is believed to be hugely impressed by what Van Bronckhorst has achieved with the appreciation being mutual.

The former Dutch international has raved about his mentor, saying: “His philosophy has been an example for millions. He is the best coach in the world.” Similarly Howe has impressed Wenger with his work at Bournemouth.

The Arsenal hierarchy have insisted Wenger alone will not pick his successor, but it seems certain they will take his views into account. — The Daily Star