If Arsenal’s head coach (Mikel Arteta) were to fail to win either the Premier League or the Champions League in the 2025/26 season, here’s what would likely happen — based on how big clubs usually operate, not a guaranteed outcome.
1. He probably would NOT be sacked automatically
Even without a major trophy:
- Arteta has strong backing from the board
- He’s consistently kept Arsenal competitive (title races, Champions League qualification)
- The team plays a clear, modern style and has improved year by year
At top clubs, progress and consistency matter almost as much as trophies.
2. Expectations would rise for the following season
If Arsenal:
- Finished 2nd or 3rd in the league
- Reached Champions League quarterfinals or semifinals
Then the club would likely say:
“We’re close — now we must win something next season.”
So pressure would increase, but patience would remain.
3. Transfers would matter a lot
If Arsenal fail to win:
- The club would likely spend more to fix weak areas
- Arteta would be expected to deliver silverware with that backing
If the board spends heavily and results still don’t come later, then his job could be questioned.
4. When would his job actually be in danger?
Arteta would be at real risk only if multiple things go wrong, such as:
- Finishing outside the top 4
- Early Champions League exit
- Clear loss of dressing-room support
- Team stagnates or regresses
Failing to win trophies alone is usually not enough.
5. Fan reaction
- Some fans would be frustrated: “We need trophies now”
- Others would support him, pointing to progress and stability
Fan pressure matters, but Arsenal’s owners are known to be relatively patient.
Short summary
- ❌ No major trophy ≠ automatic sacking
- ⚠️ Pressure increases
- 💰 More expectation after investment
- 🔒 Job only at risk if results seriously decline
How Arsenal compares to other top clubs if trophies aren’t won
🟢 Manchester City
- Standard: Win every season
- If Pep failed to win the league and Champions League:
- He’d still be safe because of past success
- But questions would start immediately
- City judge success almost only by trophies
Compared to City:
Arsenal get more patience, because they’re still building back to the very top.
⚪ Real Madrid
- Standard: Trophies or out
- No Champions League + no league = serious danger
- Even legendary coaches have been sacked after one bad season
Compared to Madrid:
Arsenal are much more forgiving.
🔵 Chelsea
- Standard: Short-term success
- Coaches often get sacked even after winning trophies
- Finishing 3rd without a trophy could still cost the job
Compared to Chelsea:
Arsenal offer far more stability.
🔴 Liverpool
- Klopp set a high bar, but even he survived seasons without trophies
- Finishing top 4 + competing deep in cups = safety
Compared to Liverpool:
Arsenal are very similar in patience and expectations.
What Arsenal realistically must win next
If not in 2024/25, then soon:
🔑 Minimum expectation
- FA Cup or League Cup
- Strong league finish (top 2–3)
🏆 Ideal outcome
- Premier League title
- Or Champions League semifinal/final + domestic cup
⏳ The danger zone
If Arsenal go:
- 3–4 seasons challenging but winning nothing
- While rivals keep winning
Then the narrative becomes:
“Good football, no silverware.”
That’s when change becomes likely.
Bottom line
- Arsenal ≠ Madrid/Chelsea pressure
- More patience than City
- Similar to Liverpool
- Trophies aren’t optional forever — just not immediate