JOHN HARTSON has urged Arsenal to stop “pussyfooting around” and find a new boss.
The former Gunner believes caretaker Freddie Ljungberg is not the man to steady the “sinking ship” and says the Arsenal board must act quickly — like Tottenham did.
John Hartson doesn’t think Freddie Ljungberg is the right fit for ArsenalCredit: EPA
BT Sport pundit Hartson said: “Arsenal can’t afford to dally, to pussyfoot around or give Freddie Ljungberg a chance.
“He may be a favourite with Arsenal fans as a player but to manage Arsenal you need a bit more about you and a bit more experience.
“There are good managers out there. Go after somebody. Be pro-active.
“Do what Spurs have done by bringing Jose Mourinho in straight away.
“If you’re going to sack a manager, bosh — go and get another one in.
“Arsenal need direction, they need leadership, they need a freshness and they need somebody to get hold of that dressing room because it’s like a sinking ship at the minute.”
Hartson knows whoever takes over is in for a tough time.
But he said: “A lot of managers will fancy the job because it’s a huge challenge.
“It’s not taking over a fantastic group of players like Mourinho has at Spurs. It’s about going in and working with what you have.”
Hartson left Arsenal in 1997 for West Ham — and feels they need a change, too.
Ahead of tomorrow’s clash, he added: “The fans want an awful lot more from West Ham and the manager.
“It’s a massive game. I’m pretty confident neither team will go down but you can never say never.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk