The football world was stunned this week when reports emerged that Arsenal’s head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat, has identified Liverpool assistant manager Zeljko Buvac as a leading candidate to replace Arsene Wenger. While Buvac has earned respect as Jurgen Klopp’s trusted “brain,” former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has labeled the potential appointment as “ridiculous” for a club of Arsenal’s stature.
The Buvac-Arsenal Connection: A Bold Move or a Miscalculation?
Buvac, who has been Klopp’s right-hand man at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool, is currently away from the Reds due to “personal reasons,” missing their crucial Champions League semi-final against Roma. Despite his tactical acumen, Murphy argues that stepping into the Emirates hot seat without prior managerial experience would be a monumental risk.
Why Experience Matters at a Top Club
Murphy, speaking on The Debate, emphasized the stark contrast between being an assistant and the main decision-maker:
- Pressure Handling: Managing egos, media scrutiny, and fan expectations at Arsenal is vastly different from supporting Klopp.
- Player Management: Handling conflicts (like the Alexis Sanchez saga) requires a seasoned leader.
- Long-Term Vision: Arsenal need a proven architect to rebuild, not just a tactical specialist.
The Klopp-Buvac Dynamic: Genius or Dependency?
Buvac’s nickname, “the brain,” stems from his deep tactical influence on Klopp’s gegenpressing philosophy. However, as Crickex football analyst Mark Thompson notes:
“Great assistants don’t always translate to great managers. The leap from strategist to leader is enormous—ask Steve McClaren or Carlos Queiroz.”
Alternatives Arsenal Should Consider
While Buvac’s Dortmund connection with Mislintat is intriguing, Arsenal might benefit from:
- Established Managers: Diego Simeone or Massimiliano Allegri offer trophy-winning pedigree.
- Proven Premier League Operators: Brendan Rodgers or Eddie Howe understand the league’s demands.
- Young Innovators: Julian Nagelsmann represents high-reward, albeit risky, potential.
Conclusion: High Risk, Uncertain Reward for Arsenal
Appointing Buvac would be a gamble—one that could either unearth a hidden genius or expose Arsenal to further instability. As Crickex experts suggest, the Gunners must weigh his tactical brilliance against the intangible demands of management.
What’s your take? Should Arsenal take a chance on Buvac, or is this a move destined to backfire? Share your thoughts below and follow Crickex for more in-depth football analysis!
