‘I really think’: Toni Kroos raves about ‘perfect’ Arsenal man, wants him to leave the Gunners a for different team
Per Mertesacker has done an amazing job as Arsenal‘s academy manager over the last few years, and Real Madrid star Toni Kroos now wants him to become the technical director of the German national team.
Germany crashed out of the group stage of the World Cup for the second consecutive time. That was a shock, and everyone associated with the team has come under immense criticism.
Technical director Oliver Bierhoff even had his contract terminated and left his role (BBC). Kroos wants Mertesacker to replace him.
Toni Kroos wants Per Mertesacker to leave Arsenal for the German national team
Mertesacker was a brilliant servant for Arsenal during his playing days. He was even named the captain of the club after Mikel Arteta retired, and everybody looked up to him.
Arsene Wenger appreciated him so much that he decided to offer him the role of academy manager a year before he actually stopped playing.
Mertesacker took charge of Arsenal’s academy in July 2018 and he has done a magnificent job. A number of young players have come through the ranks in that period, and he’s a hugely important part of the Gunners setup.
Kroos, however, wants him to replace Bierhoff in the German national team.
The Real Madrid man said on the Einfach mal Luppen podcast: “I could imagine one very well. And there I am with Marcel Reif, who suggested Per Mertesacker. I really think Per is the perfect man for the job.
“He is a great personality, also has an absolute authority and on the other hand, he can also be a buddy guy. Per is mega professional and could also make sure that there is a certain closeness to the fans again.
“In my eyes, he would be the perfect man for the job. He has gained a lot of experience in the academy of Arsenal London over the years.”
Our View:
Kroos’ words about Mertesacker are all accurate, but Arsenal will not want to lose their academy manager after all the good things he has done over the last four years.
Arsenal’s youth academy is arguably one of the best in England. Hale End has helped the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe become stars at senior level, and there are many more who are progressing to follow in their footsteps.
Mertesacker has had a massive influence over all of that since 2018, and losing him will be a massive blow for Arsenal.
However, if Germany can snap him up, it would be amazing for them after a few really poor years at international level.
