What has Ivan Gazidis, the former MLS deputy commissioner, gotten himself in for in joining Arsenal as its chief executive? He arrives during the January transfer window — an important time for the Gunners, who need help after a shaky start to the English Premier League. Gazidis has the confidence, though, of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, the man with whom he will be working most closely, and MLS commissioner Don Garber, his former boss.
“This is a job for 12 months [each year] under extreme pressure,” said Wenger. “He has experience in the game and is at the right age [44] to take over a job of that dimension. It is important for the club to get someone like that because we always relied on Ken Friar [the acting managing director], who had to do absolutely everything and that’s too much for one man.”
“Major League Soccer’s on-field product has marched steadily forward, primarily due to Ivan’s thorough understanding of the game and its global market, his impressive reasoning and judgment, and his deep-rooted desire to see soccer grow in North America,” said Garber.
Garber has been quick to note Gazidis’ understanding English soccer. “This is an Englishman who grew up with the game, who has a deep understanding of Arsenal FC and is looking to certainly provide modern sports business practices, but also provide custodianship for the traditions of the club,” he said.