Arsenal fans may not be ready to contemplate the idea, but their beloved attacker, Leandro Trossard, has recently shared his retirement plan. Interestingly enough, this plan could potentially benefit Arsenal in the long run.
Leandro Trossard joined Arsenal midway through the 2022/23 season. Initially seen as a backup option after a deal for Mykhaylo Mudryk fell through, it's safe to say that Arsenal ended up with an exceptional player in Trossard.
Despite not always being a guaranteed starter, he has demonstrated an impressive ability to influence matches from the bench. His knack for scoring crucial goals for Arsenal underscores his capacity to alter game outcomes significantly.
The Next Chapter
Trossard seems to have developed quite a taste for game-changing moments and would like to continue doing so even post-retirement. While on international duty with Belgium recently, he confirmed his aspirations of becoming a coach after hanging up his boots.
The Belgian forward has already completed his A-license certificate which qualifies him as a coach. He expressed enjoyment towards the on-field aspect of coaching but admitted finding the theoretical side of football somewhat overwhelming at this stage.
Leandro Trossard, Arsenal forward, said:
“Well, I have done my A License. I enjoyed the on-pitch side of it, giving the sessions, but the theoretical stuff – that was a bit much! And actually designing the sessions was really hard work. You might not think it, because when you are playing, you just get on with it. You come into training, do your stuff and everything is done for you. But once you need to design them yourself, you actually see what goes into it. Even the things like the coaches need to referee in training as well. When the ball goes out of play, the players will moan, but when you do it yourself you see it’s not always the easiest call to make!
“My style would be to play attacking football. Play nice, offensive football. I’ve learned a lot from the coaches I’ve worked with. I’ve worked with some great coaches and I think I could have some good ideas from them, but I’m not sure if I would do it. Obviously being a head coach is a lot – a lot of work. They spend so much time at the training ground, it’s actually crazy.
“But the older I get, the more I enjoy the analysis side of it too. Before I never had any interest in that, but I think I’ve developed more in that way as well. I want to know more about my stats, what I do in games and I think it’s also a good way to recover, when you know how you feel after the work you’ve done. We have a tough schedule, so any stats you can use to help recovery is great for that. There was none of that when I started in Belgium. We went on the pitch, trained, then went home!”
An Attacking manager in the making
In line with his playing style and position on field, Leandro Trossard revealed that he envisions himself as an attacking manager - hardly surprising given his career trajectory thus far. He credits this vision largely due to inspiration drawn from several great coaches under whom he's had the privilege of playing during his career.
While it is still early days and much can change before retirement comes knocking at Trossard's door; if things go according to plan and he does become a coach - preferably at Arsenal - it could prove beneficial for both parties involved. With intimate knowledge about club culture and a proven ability to influence games, Trossard could potentially be a valuable asset in Arsenal's coaching staff.
While the prospect of Leandro Trossard's retirement may not be an appealing thought for Arsenal fans at present, his post-retirement plans might just offer them something to look forward to.
