Paul Merson believes Rafa Benitez is a ‘top manager’, but he can’t imagine Arsenal fans would be happy with his appointment as head coach of the Gunners.
It was the Emirates Stadium support who called for Benitez to replace Arsene Wenger, following Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat of Arsenal on Sunday.
The result leaves Arsenal 13 points behind the top four, and only two points ahead of seventh placed Burnley, who are in good form and aiming for a miraculous top-six finish under Sean Dyche.
The Gunners’ chances of securing Champions League football rest entirely on their Europa League campaign – the face Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals – and even winning Europe’s secondary competition will do little to ease the pressure on Wenger.
The Frenchman, 68, has just over one year left on his contract at the Emirates, and he has consistently expressed his desire to honour the deal.
However, a summer review of his position is expected, but Merson cannot believe Arsenal will move for Benitez due to one key factor.
“I like Benitez – he is one of the top managers,” Merson told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.
“I just think Arsenal [fans] want to see entertaining football, and I know this might sound a bit silly, but they want to see teams who go out to win football matches.
“Benitez sort of sets his teams up – even at Liverpool – not to get beaten, and you go from there.
“Arsenal fans are staying away at the moment because it’s not entertaining enough, and I think they will need someone with a little bit more flair.
“They need someone with longevity – someone who will get a four or five year contract and stay there – because you don’t want a Manchester United situation, where they change the manager many times quickly after Sir Alex Ferguson.”