Unai Emery has been sacked after 18 months as Arsenal manager.
Josh Kroenke has said in a statement: “Our most sincere thanks go to Unai and his colleagues who were unrelenting in their efforts to get the club back to competing at the level we all expect and demand.”
Emery’s sacking follows the Gunners’ longest run without a win since 1992
Emery replaced Arsene Wenger in May 2018 in the hope of improving the North London team, who finished fifth in the Premier League during the Spaniard’s first season as head coach.
The statement from Arsenal explains the sacking is “due to results and performances not being at the level required”.
"A lot of people behind the scenes had lost faith in Unai Emery."@SkyKaveh reports from the Emirates Stadium following the news that Arsenal have sacked their head coach following their worst run since 1992: https://t.co/gciE9Ur0DG pic.twitter.com/kgibT1TBxd
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 29, 2019
Arsenal only have four wins this season, starting with victories against Newcastle and Burnley, but six draws and three losses has them currently placed eighth in the league table.
Kroenke said on behalf of the Arsenal board and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment: “We wish Unai and his team nothing but future success”.
#Arsenal
Breaking News : Unai Emery sacked from Arsenal's head coach 🤯
Who will be next ?
Will Poch get a chance ? pic.twitter.com/Rm6HQdx75z— Indian Fantasy League (@ifltweet) November 29, 2019
Former Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has been appointed interim head coach whilst the search for a new manager begins.
Freddie Ljungberg takes over as interim Arsenal manager. Here’s a delightful news clip of his debut match for the club in 1998. pic.twitter.com/tKCBySkZem
— MUNDIAL (@MundialMag) November 29, 2019
Freddie Ljungberg will take charge of Arsenal as interim head coach…
• 326 appearances
• 71 goals
• 36 assists
• 6 trophiesA true Gunner ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WDGF7AF7ZA
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 29, 2019
This follows North London rivals Tottenham appointing Jose Mourinho as manager after sacking Mauricio Pochettino.
Many Arsenal fans have spoken out about Emery’s sacking on Twitter:
Our club needs us more now than ever!!!! Let’s get right behind Freddie and ALL the players!! #StrongerTogether #Arsenal @Arsenal 🔴 pic.twitter.com/iMMiQshvUE
— Paul Dawes (@dawesy2801) November 29, 2019
It appears Emery's time at Arsenal is approaching an end. He seems like a good guy with good intentions, it is just not working for him at England. Hope he gets a job at a decent team in the future and does well there. pic.twitter.com/7SCB0FqYuk
— P™ (@SemperFiArsenal) November 26, 2019
Respect to Unai.
He had a massive job on his hands and i don’t think many managers could have stepped in and delivered much different. It was uncomfortable watching him struggling onwards the last few months. I’m happy to see Freddie take over for now. #arsenal https://t.co/n9oTwAabzZ
— erol alkan (@erolalkan) November 29, 2019
A few people have asked what Ljungberg is like as a coach – likes to play out from the back, midfielders making dynamic runs, lots of pressing. Always very encouraging of players during the game. Argues with officials a lot.
— Jeorge Bird (@jeorgebird) November 29, 2019
Watch Freddie Ljungberg beat some big team during his interim period, get the full-time job and watch Arsenal fans turn on yet another club legend within 12 months.
Best of luck Fred! #EmeryOut pic.twitter.com/86ihSENBjB
— The Irish Guy (@the_irishguy) November 29, 2019
Words: Alysia Georgiades | Featured images: Denilo Vieira on Unsplash