Paul Merson believes Arsenal assistant manager Steve Bould should take charge of the Gunners’ Europa League campaign this season.
In his latest bizarre quote, Sky pundit Paul Merson has said that Arsenal should let assistant manager Steve Bould take charge of the Europa League games this season so Wenger can focus on the Premier League.
“People talk about Arsenal in the Europa League, maybe suggesting they won’t bother trying in it,” Merson said, reports the Express. “But Arsene Wenger still has to fly out somewhere on the Wednesday, won’t get back until the Friday. It is still tiring.
“Therefore, I would tell Steve Bould to be in charge of the Europa team. Wenger could work at home with the Premier League team.” Merson’s logic is so impeccable that no manager has used it. Ever, I’m pretty sure.
Of course flying is tiring, but coming back on a Friday is surely no more tiring than coming back on a Wednesday or Thursday after a Champions League game. Merson also seems to forget that Arsenal will play on a Sunday during the weeks they play in the Europa League.
Playing Thursday and Sunday during one week is not that different to playing on a Wednesday and Saturday. The entire burden of the Europa League is overstated, as Arsenal should have the squad to handle both competitions.
After years of playing in the Champions League, the Gunners should be accustomed to playing multiple times a week. Moreover, Arsenal should be doing their best in every competition, and part of that is actually having your manager oversee the games.