ARSENAL’S search for a new manager is underway following the sacking of Unai Emery.
The Gunners axed the Spaniard after the 2-1 defeat to Frankfurt saw the club go seven games without a win for the first time since 1992.
Freddie Ljungberg won two Prem titles and three FA Cups with the club as a playerCredit: Getty – Contributor
Arsenal confirmed that club legend Freddie Ljungberg will take charge on an interim basis.
The club statement read: “The search for a new head coach is underway and we will make a further announcement when that process is complete.”
SunSport’s Martin Lipton has tipped club legend Patrick Vieira to take the reigns in north London.
Carlo Ancelotti has also been named on the shortlist – but his annual salary demands remain a huge stumbling block.
We have dissected the rumours surrounding the club’s next boss to see who would cut the mustard in the Emirates hotseat.
Nuno Espirito Santo
Pros
The Wolves boss, 45, is the bookies favourite to take over permanently in north London.
He has emerged as a top target for the Gunners following his heroics in the Midlands.
Following his arrival in 2017, Nuno secured promotion to the Premier League before he guided them to a seventh-placed finish last term.
Wolves are currently fifth in the table – above Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham.
He has managerial experience at the highest level after his spells with Porto and Valencia.
Cons
The dark cloud lingering over Nuno’s management career is that he is yet to win a major trophy as a manager.
Until he does, that will be huge a concern for Arsenal’s board.
It will also be a fear for Arsenal fans that Nuno is a manager that thrives at a smaller club – but struggles on the main stage.
He was axed by Porto in 2017 after just one season as he failed to meet the targets set for him by the board.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are above Arsenal in the Premier League tableCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Mikel Arteta
Pros
Arteta, 37, knows the club inside out after spending five years with them as a player from 2011 until 2016.
The fans will always welcome a club legend back with open arms.
He would bring a winning mentality back to the club as he has worked alongside Pep Guardiola at Manchester City for three years.
Cons
The 37-year-old would be a huge risk for the Gunners due to his lack of managerial experience.
He has only worked as an assistant manager at City since he decided to hang up his boots.
And Pep Guardiola has admitted he wants him to stick around until the end of the season.
Pep Guardiola wants Mikel Arteta to stay at City until the end of the seasonCredit: PA:Empics Sport
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Freddie Ljungberg
Pros
Ljungberg, 42, has just two days to prepare his side for his first test as interim boss – which is against Norwich City at Carrow Road.
He has impressed since coaching Arsenal’s Under-15s and Under-23s – while also proving his potential with VfL Wolfsburg in 2017.
Ljungberg, who won two Prem titles and three FA Cups with the Gunners as a player, has been part of Emery’s backroom staff this season.
Cons
His lack of management is the main concern for Arsenal’s board and the clubs fans.
The former Sweden international has never managed a senior squad, so could well find himself outside of his comfort zone.
He could inject life back in the club with a win, but a defeat on his managerial debut could spark frenzy.
Freddie Ljungberg has been working alongside Unai Emery this seasonCredit: EPA
Massimiliano Allegri
Pros
The Italian manager, 52, would certainly bring a winning mentality to the Arsenal dressing room after his impressive spell with Italy.
Allegri won the Serie A title in each of his five seasons with the Italian club after he took over in 2014.
And he has been out of work since he left the club in May.
Cons
The main hurdle standing between Arsenal and Allegri is that he is not ready to take over the club yet.
He has admitted he wants to wait until the end of the season before taking on his next challenge.
Allegri has also been slated in the past for ignoring the up-and-coming stars in a squad and instead just focusing on the big stars.
Massimiliano Allegri is keen to enjoy time away from football until the end of the seasonCredit: Reuters
Mauricio Pochettino
Pros
The Argentine, 47, was axed by Spurs earlier this month – but he left with his reputation still in tact.
Pochettino exceeded expectations during his five-and-a-half year reign with the north London giants.
And he hinted he could take over the Gunners when he released his statement to Spurs fans after being replaced by Jose Mourinho.
It read: “I’m sure we will cross paths again.”
Cons
Arsenal fans will not see a former Tottenham boss take charge of their beloved club – no matter what state it is in!
He even said himself that he would “never” manage Arsenal or Barcelona because he’s so identified with Spurs.
The Gunners would also have to fight off interest from Bayern Munich if they want to land him.
Mauricio Pochettino spent five-and-a-half years in charge of Arsenal’s bitter rivalsCredit: EPA
Emery sacked by Arsenal
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
