For the second time in the past 20 plus years, Arsenal are on the lookout for a new manager / head coach.
Unai Emery – the chosen one to step into Arsene Wenger’s shoes after the legendary Frenchman left his position at the end of the 2017 / 18 season – was sacked on Friday morning.
The Spaniard paid the ultimate price for a seven-game winless run across all competitions and Thursday night’s 2-1 home loss in the Europa League against Eintracht Frankfurt proved to be the final straw.
In Emery’s place – albeit temporarily – is Gunners legend Freddie Ljungberg who as one of Emery’s assistant head coaches during the first four months of the new campaign.
In the statement, which was published on Arsenal’s website, Josh Kroenke – on behalf of the board and the club’s owners Kroenke Sports & Entertainment – has backed the Swede.
“We have asked Freddie Ljungberg to take responsibility for the first team as interim head coach. We have full confidence in Freddie to take us forward.
“The search for a new head coach is underway and we will make a further announcement when that process is complete. “
One name who continues to be linked with the head coach role is former captain Mikel Arteta and those rumors are bound to intensify over the next few days and possibly weeks.
However, the Spaniard didn’t seem to bothered about speculation regarding his future as it was pretty much business as usual for Pep Guardiola’s assistant during Manchester City training session on Friday.
As seen in the video clip above, Arteta can briefly be seen welcoming players from Uruguayan outfit Club Atletico Torque.
If the Arsenal links were on his mind, he certainly didn’t show it. But he was present in training so any conspiracy theories in regards to him making a return to the Emirates can be put on hold.
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Guardiola has also confirmed Arteta will travel with the Man City squad for their Premier League clash against Newcastle United.
“[Arteta] is in the squad, he travels to Newcastle. It is not a question for me,” Guardiolasaid. “I am sorry for [Emery]. Every time a manager is sacked it is not good news.
” It does not change my opinion of him. He is an incredible professional. I am sure he will find another job soon. “
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