Manuel Pellegrini Warns Arsenal Fans A ‘Post-Wenger’ Slump Is Possible

By The Editor
on 23rd August 2018

West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini would ‘t be surprised to see us experience the same troubles as Man Utd did after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement…

West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has warned Arsenal fans that we may experience a post-Arsene Wenger slump similar to Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

Ahead of our clash against the Hammers on Saturday fresh off the back two defeats in the league, Pellegrini was rather vocal in his defence for his former competitor.

The Chilean has often been described as a manager similar to Wenger in their manarisms and philosophy, and he’s certainly doubled down on his support for our former boss.

Pellegrini believes Wenger was criticised for not challenging for the title over the past three seasons and although that’s true, changing the fortunes of the current side will be difficult for any coach.

“My opinion is that you can see what happened at Manchester United after Alex Ferguson finished,” the Hammers boss explained to reporters (via HaytersTV).

“They were so used to winning titles and when you make a change it is not easy. At Arsenal it is the same.

“Maybe Arsene Wenger was criticised over the last three seasons because they did not challenge for the title until the end of the season, but to change the team and change the image is not easy.”

Pellegrini may be alluding to two main conceptions about Arsenal: that the players aren’t good enough, or that the club’s hierarchy has no intention of challenging for the title.

Those notions are as irrelevant as they are mythical, the players have been good enough in recent years to challenge properly for the title – especially in that season that saw Leicester City win.

Also, Wenger has been given significant investment and although the board have shown little ambition in their efforts to win the league, it doesn’t mean 5th and 6th place finishes are now acceptable.