FREDDIE LJUNGBERG made no mention of Unai Emery as he vowed to “put smiles on faces again” at Arsenal.
The Gunners legend has held his first training session since being appointed on an interim basis to replace Emery.
Credit: Getty – Contributor
Freddie Ljungberg’s first test as Arsenal boss will come against Norwich in the league
Freddie Ljungberg has bigger worries now than putting out cones at London ColneyCredit: Getty – Contributor
Ljungberg confirmed he is up for the challenge as he shared a motivational message with his 233,000 followers on Twitter.
Alongside a snap of himself in an Arsenal tracksuit, he wrote: “However long I oversee @Arsenal for I will give everything I have to put smiles on faces again.
“We have a busy few weeks ahead and the team needs your support. Let’s get to work!”
But the Swedish star refused to comment on Emery’s situation despite working closely with him this season.
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Ljungberg was promoted to Emery’s backroom staff in the summer after earning his stripes with the club’s Under-15s an Under-23s.
Emery was a huge fan of the ex-Arsenal midfielder, saying: “He knows Arsenal perfectly, the young players, he helps us everyday in training, the matches and before.
“He knows the characteristics of the Premier League. I’m very happy with him.”
Ljungberg got straight to work at the training ground ahead of his first test against Norwich in the Premier League on Sunday.
Arsenal’s new interim manager Freddie Ljungberg addresses the playersCredit: Getty – Contributor
Freddie Ljungberg has been prepping his players ahead of the clash against NorwichCredit: Getty – Contributor
But the Gunners have admitted their search for a permanent manager is already underway.
Massimiliano Allegri is the new favourite to take the job head of Nuno Espirito Santo and Mauricio Pochettino.
Carlo Ancelotti is also said to be in the running – but his wage demands remain a huge stumbling block for the Gunners.
Emery was finally put out of his Arsenal misery by head of football Raul Sanllehi at the club’s London Colney training ground this morning.
The 48-year-old Spaniard knew the end was nigh when he reported for training at nine o’clock only to be ushered into a meeting with Sanllehi, technical director Edu and managing director Vinai Venkatesham.
Interim coach Freddie Ljungberg shows Reiss Nelson his ideasCredit: Getty – Contributor
Freddie Ljungberg with head of performance Shad ForsytheCredit: Getty – Contributor
Emery oversaw a disastrous run of form that saw his side go seven games without a win for the first time since 1992.
A club statement read: “The decision has been taken due to results and performances not being at the level required.
“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.”
Gunners director Josh Kroenke added: “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.
“We wish Unai and his team nothing but future success.”
Freddie Ljungberg shakes hands with young star Robbie BurtonCredit: Getty – Contributor
Arsenal sack Unai Emery – Latest as manager leaves Gunners after just 18 months in charge
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
