Arsenal were reportedly lining up Jose Mourinho as one of the candidates to replace Unai Emery before his appointment by Tottenham Hotspur.
Emery was sacked by the Gunners earlier today after 18 months in charge.
Sky Sports understands that Mourinho was the first choice of some some senior figures at the Emirates while Emery’s future was being considered, but Spurs struck first after letting Mauricio Pochettino go last week.
MORE: Sacked Pochettino Releases Pointless Statement
That is further justification, if it was needed, that the timing of Pochettino’s firing was crucial as it would have been sickening to see Mourinho go into Arsenal and give them the same lift he has us in his opening two games.
I am sure that Daniel Levy would have been fully aware of Arsenal’s interest in the Portuguese and that may have forced him to take action.
Sky Sports reports that Arsenal is after a “high-calibre head coach” to succeed Emery, and they don’t get any more high calibre than Jose.
Instead, Arsenal are apparently looking at ex-Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, who, like Mourinho was, is out of work and may well have been on our radar had we been beaten to ‘The Special One’ by our neighbours.
I know which of the two I’d prefer as our manager.
Levy was right to act when he did. Arsenal must wish they’d shown the same instinct. Mourinho is the bloke you want working for you, not against you.