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Arsenaldirector Josh Kroenke addressed the Arsenal squad ahead of Sunday’sPremier Leaguematch against Norwich.
The son of majority shareholder Stank Kroenke, visit the club’s London Colney training base less than 24 hours after dispensing withUnai Emeryand sanctioning the decision to install Freddie Ljungberg as interim head coach.
Asked what he told the players, Kroenke told the club’s website: ‘My message to Freddie and the players was let’s get back to basics and most importantly let’s get back to having some fun.
‘I think footballers are at their best when I see smiles on their faces and going out there and winning matches. That’s a winning formula to me. ’
Emery had presided over a dismal run of form which had seen Arsenal win just one of their last nine matches in all competitions and slip eight points adrift of the top four.
So@ Freddie, what will your approach be as interim head coach?
🔜# NORARSpic.twitter.com/46 ZKLitHx3
– Arsenal (@Arsenal)November 30,
Earlier on Saturday, Per Mertesacker, who had been working as the club’s academy director, was confirmed as one of Ljungberg’s assistants ahead of the trip to Carrow Road.
Club legend Ljungberg gave his first interview since confirmation of his appointment and outlined his intention to play attacking, progressive football.
He said: ‘I’ve been at Arsenal for a long, long time I like entertaining football, he told Arsenal’s official website. ‘Of course, at the same time you can’t conceded goals that’s the tricky balance to find.
‘For me happy footballers play the best football. That’s what I learned as a player.
‘There is a time to work hard but at the same we must enjoy what we are doing.
‘Often if the players we have they enjoy playing offensive football it will make them more happy.’
Both David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi were injury doubts after they picked up knocks against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday, but both took part in Saturday’s training session and are in contention to feature.
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