Arsenal sacks manager Unai Emery, Freddie Ljungberg becomes interim coach

Unai Emery was sacked as Arsenal manager on Friday after less than two years in charge and with the club without a win in seven games, their worst run since 1992. The 48-year-old Spaniard was fired following the 2-1 home defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in Thursdays Europa League match. His assistant Freddie Ljungberg takes over as interim manager during the search for a permanent replacement.

Arsenal fans had demanded “decisive action” from directors with the clubs present run of five draws and two defeats this season just one match off equalling George Grahams run of eight without a win in 1992. Club directors responded by axing the man brought in 18 months ago to revive a club stagnating after two decades under Frenchman Arsene Wenger.

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“We announce today that the decision has been taken to part company with our head coach Unai Emery and his coaching team,” read the statement. “We have asked Freddie Ljungberg to take responsibility as interim head coach. The search for a new head coach is underway and we will make a further announcement when that process is complete.”

Among those in the mix for the permanent job include former Gunners star Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, ex-Juventus handler Massimiliano Allegri and Wolves Portuguese manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Arsenal’s league form has fallen away badly with five Premier League matches without a win — they are the only side in the top half of the table with a negative goal difference.

Emery’s cause has not been helped by the stripping fiery Swiss international Granit Xhaka from captaincy after he swore at Gunners fans when being substituted against Crystal Palace last month. And a potential saviour, Gunners record signing Pepe, has been a huge disappointment since his 72 million ($93 million) move from French Ligue 1 outfit Lille in the close season.

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Emery’s position had looked shaky enough when north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur sacked Mauricio Pochettino last week only months after taking them to the Champions League final. The former PSG handlers first season ended in disappointment. Arsenal blew two chances for a return to the Champions League, winning just one of their last five games to finish fifth in the Premier League and then losing the Europa League final 4-1 to Chelsea.

“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,” read the club statement. “We wish Unai and his team nothing but future success. The decision has been taken due to results and performances not being at the required standards.”