Sven Mislintat is looking forward to developing his career at Arsenal, and can see himself staying at the club for over a decade.
Mislintat became Arsenal’s new Head of Recruitment last month after being convinced to leave Borussia Dortmund.
Speaking to German publication Kicker about the move, Mislintat said he left Dortmund with a heavy heart, but is looking forward to developing in his new role at Arsenal, reports the Evening Standard.
“I was born in Dortmund, I’m a Dortmund kid, I studied here,” he said. “Of course I won’t rule it out but I’m not leaving with the intention to return. I’m following my path to develop further and I want to keep learning.
“At Arsenal I want to do the very best job I can do. I’m excited for the challenge and can easily imagine myself at Arsenal, in London, for 10, 12 years as long as my family and I feel at home there.”
Mislintat joins an increasingly German backroom staff at the club. Jens Lehmann, who himself has allegiances with Borussia Dortmund, joined Arsene Wenger’s backroom staff in the summer. Per Mertesacker will become the new Head of the Youth academy at the end of the season.
Mislintat doesn’t know why Arsenal are recruiting more Germans, but believes it’ll make his job a lot easier. “I don’t know but I have nothing against it,” he added. “The setup will definitely make communicating easier for me to begin with.”
The ex-Dortmund man is also looking forward to working with Arsene Wenger. “At the end of May, Wenger won the cup for the seventh time in 21 years. On top of his three league title wins.
“I find it really difficult to deny his success. I’m excited to work with him! I can only learn from someone who has proven his quality over decades.”
Nicknamed “Diamond Eye” for his ability to spot talent, Mislintat arrives at the club with a big reputation. He’ll be working closely with Wenger and new Head of Football Relations Raul Sanllehi in order to recruit the best talent for the club.
He replaces Steve Rowley, who was Arsenal long-serving chief scout. Rowley will now work at Arsenal in a consultancy role after stepping down from the role he’s held since 1996.