Tottenham
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Managerial appointments that follow the dismissal of a previous coach often involve conversations with a range of candidates. Those with recent experience at a rival club can still be approached if sources indicate a willingness to engage. The final decision is made after assessing both established managers and those without independent head-coaching experience.
A shortlist that includes names with significant club pedigrees can still result in the selection of a candidate who has only worked as an assistant. The process examines the qualities required for the role rather than solely previous achievements. Those discussions take place in the weeks after the previous manager’s departure.
The willingness of one candidate to consider the position despite recent events at another club is noted by multiple sources. Another candidate advances deep into the process before the appointment is confirmed. The outcome is later viewed as a defining moment for the club.
Arsenal held talks with Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto Martínez before appointing Mikel Arteta in 2019. The details emerge from reporting on the recruitment process that followed Unai Emery’s sacking.
Pochettino was reportedly open to taking the Arsenal job despite recently leaving Tottenham. Numerous sources have said he showed willingness to engage with Arsenal over the possibility of replacing Emery. Martínez, who had coached Wigan Athletic and Everton and was leading Belgium at the time, advanced deep into the selection process.
The shortlist also included Carlo Ancelotti, Patrick Vieira, Julian Nagelsmann, Massimiliano Allegri and Vítor Pereira. Arteta was assessed separately due to his lack of independent managerial experience, having only worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. Arsenal ultimately chose Arteta.
The decision is now regarded as one of the most significant moments in the club’s modern history. Pochettino’s interest came only weeks after his departure from Spurs, where he had spent five years. Martínez’s progress in the process provided another strong alternative before the final choice was made.
Arteta’s appointment came after a thorough evaluation that weighed experience against the specific requirements of the role. The conversations with Pochettino and Martínez form part of the wider shortlist that was considered. The outcome has shaped the club’s direction in the years since.
The reporting places the 2019 process in context as Arsenal continue under Arteta. The shortlist highlights the range of options that were available at the time. The final selection of Arteta remains the defining decision from that period.