Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has thrown his hat in the ring as manager of the Netherlands national team, replacing Ronald Koeman.
Koeman is set to leave his post at Barcelona to replace Quique Setien, with a deal expected in the coming days.
Koeman set to replace Setien at Barcelona / Dan Mohtaropoulos / Getty Images
That would leave the Netherlands needing to find a new manager, and according to FOX Sports, Wenger has contacted the Dutch FA to say he would be interested in returning to management with the Oranje.
Wenger, currently FIFA’s head of global football development, is said to be somewhat frustrated with his limited influence in his current position and appears to be re-examining his passion for management.
The Frenchman has never wavered from his desire to test himself on the international stage, previously admitting towards the end of his Arsenal tenure that he could see himself leading the national team in the future.
Wenger misses being out on the pitch / Jun Sato/Getty Images
Just this month, he admitted to Europe 1 that he dreams of a return to management, but does not want to risk his health by returning to a stressful position.
“Every day, I want to train, that’s what I’ve been doing all my life,” he said. “I’m 70 years old, I’ve given so much, should I play a little Russian roulette, even with my health?
“I can’t do things by halves, so I ask myself this question. It will be under the circumstances that I think is best. Otherwise, I won’t do it.
It’s the end of an era…
22 years
1,235 games
716 won.
2,298 goals
1 Arsène Wenger #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/5nn4K7blD4
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 13, 2018
“I used to smell weed every morning, and today I’m in more weed, administrative environments and offices. So obviously, I feel a little intrusive there. Yes, I want to.” [return], I am telling you bluntly. I think it will last until my last day.”
With Wenger looking for a more comfortable role, a spot as national team manager seems perfect for the Frenchman. The stars may have aligned on this one.
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