‘Arteta taking Arsenal job is like McGregor fighting Mayweather’
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has inexplicably compared Mikel Arteta taking the Gunners job to Conor McGregor boxing Floyd Mayweather.
Arteta was announced as the new Gunners boss on Friday, taking over from Unai Emery who was sacked at the end of November.
Arteta is highly regarded at the Emirates, after successfully assisting Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, although this is his first job in management.
Merson believes the 37-year-old does not have the necessary know-how to turn the club around.
The appointment – for some bizarre reason – reminds Merson of McGregor taking his first ever boxing match against one of the greatest boxers of all time, Mayweather.
“Mikel Arteta taking on the Arsenal job is like Conor McGregor trying to fight Floyd Mayweather,” wrote in the Daily Star.
“It’s one of the biggest jobs in football and you’re giving it to someone who has never managed in his life!
“If the Arsenal board think they are suddenly going to start playing like Manchester City just because Arteta has worked with Pep Guardiola for a bit, they need to wake up and smell the coffee.
“Arsenal don’t need a quick fix. They need a long-term plan. But you need that experience to start with.”
A number of candidates were considered for the role in north London, but one man that wasn’t spoken about was Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder, who Merson believes should have been considered.
“Look at Chris Wilder and the job he’s done at Sheffield United. How has he not even been mentioned?’ Merson continued.
“He’s done everything right, been through the leagues and been hugely successful. Worked his way up. Coped in difficult situations. Gained years of experience.
“Doesn’t even get a look-in. I’m not saying he should have got the job instead but to not even be considered?”
