“I’d Like To”: 120-Goal Arsenal Legend Hints At Future Return To Club In A Coaching Role

Former Arsenal forward Dennis Bergkamp, one of the club’s most iconic players, has recently hinted at the possibility of returning to the Emirates Stadium in a coaching capacity. The Dutchman, who made 422 appearances for the club and scored 120 goals, has long been a beloved figure at Arsenal. His silky skills, vision, and technical brilliance helped to define an era of football at the club, one that was full of glory and success. Bergkamp’s time at Arsenal saw him contribute immensely, not just in terms of goals but also in the way he brought others into play, shaping the team’s attacking style with a level of elegance and intelligence that few could match.

Having moved to Arsenal in 1995 from Inter Milan, Bergkamp became a cornerstone of Arsène Wenger’s revolutionary team. His performances on the pitch were a testament to his class, and he was an integral part of the squad that won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups, including the famed ‘Invincibles’ team that went the entire 2003/04 Premier League season unbeaten. His partnership with Thierry Henry, Robert Pirès, and Patrick Vieira became one of the most formidable attacking units in the history of the Premier League. Bergkamp’s creative vision was central to Arsenal’s attacking play, and his ability to pick out precise passes and finish chances in spectacular fashion made him a fan favorite and one of the greatest players ever to wear the Arsenal shirt.

Bergkamp retired from professional football in 2006, bringing an end to his illustrious playing career. After his retirement, Bergkamp remained involved in football, particularly in coaching roles. His first coaching experience came with the Netherlands B team in 2008, shortly after he hung up his boots. From there, he moved on to a position with his former club Ajax, where he took on a role within their youth system, working with some of the brightest young talents in Dutch football. It was at Ajax where Bergkamp began to make a name for himself as a coach, taking a hands-on approach to developing the next generation of talent. His experience at Ajax was significant, not just for his ability to teach young players but also for his deep understanding of the game, something that had always been evident during his playing days.

In 2011, Bergkamp was promoted to assistant coach under Frank De Boer at Ajax, a role he would hold for six years. During his time at Ajax, the team enjoyed considerable success, winning multiple Eredivisie titles and developing a reputation for playing attractive, possession-based football that mirrored the philosophies Bergkamp had been part of during his playing days at Arsenal. However, in December 2017, Bergkamp’s time at Ajax came to an end, when he and his fellow assistant, Hennie Spijkerman, were sacked following a difficult period for the club. Despite the disappointment of his departure from Ajax, Bergkamp’s time as a coach provided him with valuable experience that shaped his approach to management.

Now, with the possibility of a return to Arsenal on the horizon, Bergkamp has spoken openly about his interest in taking on a coaching role with the club. In a recent interview, he expressed a desire to return to the world of football coaching, particularly with Arsenal. “I’m at the stage of my life now where I’ve got a bit more freedom with my time – the kids are all grown up now! If something interesting to me were to come along, then I’m sure I’d like to do something like that,” Bergkamp said. This comment has sparked widespread speculation among Arsenal fans and the football community, with many wondering whether Bergkamp could be brought back into the fold to work alongside current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Bergkamp’s connection to Arsenal is undeniable, and his understanding of the club’s ethos, history, and values could be a tremendous asset to Arteta’s coaching team. With Arteta continuing to shape the squad and build a team capable of competing for the Premier League title, the addition of a figure like Bergkamp could provide the Gunners with a sense of continuity, drawing upon the club’s rich legacy while moving forward with a fresh and modern approach. Having played under Wenger during the most successful period in the club’s history, Bergkamp’s insights and experience could be invaluable, particularly in helping Arteta’s young team to evolve and reach their full potential.

In addition to his passion for the game, Bergkamp also spoke about his hopes for Arsenal’s current season, expressing optimism that the team could secure a trophy under Arteta’s stewardship. “I really hope Arsenal can win a trophy this season. They’ve been so close for the past few years now, so hopefully the team can find something extra in the next few months to get them over the line,” Bergkamp said. His words reflect the hope that the current Arsenal squad, which has shown great promise, can take that next step and challenge for major honors. With the team currently sitting in a competitive position in the league and with the prospect of further strengthening during the transfer window, Arsenal’s prospects for success this season remain strong.

Bergkamp’s belief in the potential of the current squad is an encouraging sign for Arsenal fans. Despite coming close to winning silverware in recent years, the club has often fallen short in crucial moments, whether due to inexperience, injuries, or a lack of squad depth. However, with Arteta at the helm, the team has made significant strides, playing an exciting brand of football that has captured the imagination of fans both at home and abroad. The addition of Bergkamp in a coaching capacity could be the final piece of the puzzle, providing both tactical insight and a dose of Arsenal’s winning mentality to the squad.

In reflecting on his own coaching career, Bergkamp acknowledged the importance of building belief within a team and inspiring players to reach their highest level of performance. “It feels like they’re in a stable position at the moment and hopefully the players can make something out of it. If Mikel Arteta can get a bit more quality and belief from the squad, then who knows what might happen!” he remarked. This belief in Arteta’s ability to motivate and extract the best from his players is shared by many, with the manager’s methods and philosophy continuing to evolve as he works with a talented and hungry group of players.

Although Bergkamp has not yet taken up any formal coaching role at Arsenal, his openness to the idea of returning to the club in a coaching capacity has undoubtedly excited fans, who would love to see the Dutch legend contribute to the club’s future success. His technical knowledge, leadership qualities, and understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level would make him a valuable asset to Arteta’s backroom staff. Furthermore, his presence could also inspire the current generation of players, instilling in them a sense of pride in wearing the Arsenal shirt and continuing the club’s rich tradition of attacking football.

The prospect of Bergkamp returning to Arsenal is not just about nostalgia for past glory, but about the potential for the club to build on its legacy and move forward into a new era of success. If he does take up a role with the team, Bergkamp would bring with him a wealth of experience, not just from his time as a player but also from his coaching experiences at Ajax. His insights into the game, his tactical acumen, and his ability to nurture young talent could prove crucial as Arteta continues to build a team capable of competing with the best in Europe.

Bergkamp’s comments also highlight his desire to remain involved in football, despite stepping away from the day-to-day demands of managing a top club. His passion for the game remains strong, and he has shown a clear interest in returning to a coaching role that would allow him to contribute to the development of the next generation of players. His experience and deep understanding of the game would make him a valuable mentor, not just to the attacking players at Arsenal but to the squad as a whole.

Whether or not Bergkamp ultimately joins Arteta’s coaching staff remains to be seen, but his comments have certainly fueled speculation about his future role at the club. Arsenal fans are undoubtedly eager to see the return of one of the club’s greatest-ever players in a new capacity, helping to guide the team towards future successes. With Arteta’s vision and the club’s growing ambition, the combination of these two influential figures could be a winning formula that brings silverware back to the Emirates. The future of Arsenal Football Club looks bright, and the potential return of Bergkamp could be the catalyst for a new era of triumph and glory. As Bergkamp himself said, if the opportunity comes along, he would be more than happy to take on a coaching role and help the club reach new heights. For Arsenal, having a legend like Bergkamp involved in the future of the club could be just what they need to achieve long-term success.