Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko is taking the first steps on the road to becoming a manager having received a coaching diploma in Ukraine.
The World Cup break has presented players not travelling to Qatar with a chance to spend their time how they want.
Some have been on holiday, some have been working out in training camps around the world, some have probably been glued to the World Cup.
Zinchenko has decided to think about his future though having started his path to becoming a coach.
24TV in Ukraine report that Zinchenko completed a coaching diploma at the Ukrainian Football Association.
Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder and Zinchenko’s Ukraine international teammate Taras Stepanenko also earned the diploma.
This allows Zinchenko to start his journey towards becoming a manager one day, even if it’s long into the future.
Zinchenko could now copy Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
Zinchenko is only 25 but he is seemingly preparing for a life in coaching down the line – just like Mikel Arteta.
Arteta was also turning out for Arsenal when he was taking his coaching badges at the Welsh FA.
Arteta moved on to Manchester City work under Pep Guardiola before returning to Arsenal as manager in 2019.
Zinchenko may fancy a similar fate for himself and maybe we shouldn’t be surprised that Arteta was so keen to sign him.
Arteta no doubt sees that studious side in Zinchenko and, as much as a it’s a cliche, maybe he sees Zinchenko as being something like a coach on the pitch.
This diploma means Zinchenko now has the necessary qualifications to manage a second division side in Ukraine.
Zinchenko couldn’t manage a top-flight club yet but would be able to take an assistant manager job.
That surely won’t be happening for another 10 years and, by that time, Zinchenko may have done enough coaching courses to land a top job.
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