Arsenal announced on Wednesday morning that former Paris Saint-Germain manager Unai Emery will be the new manager following Arsene Wenger’s departure earlier this year.
Following Emery’s appointment, chief executive of Arsenal Ivan Gazidis said, “Unai has an outstanding track record of success throughout his career.”
The 46-year-old Spaniard is joining Arsenal with a reputable record. At Sevilla, he’s won the Europa League a staggering three times and overall as a 51.7%-win rate in all competitions. At Paris Saint-Germain, he led the club to seven trophies with a 76.3%-win rate in all competitions.
Gazidis later said, “[Emery] plays an exciting, progressive style of football that fits Arsenal perfectly.”
During Wednesday’s press conference, Emery stated that he would like to play a possession and pressing style of football.
He has also coached in Russia with Spartak Moscow, where he got sacked after 26 games. Prior to that, he spent four years at Valencia where he qualified the club for the Champions League in his last season.
Emery was among the shortlist for potential managers to replace Wenger. Alongside was former Arsenal captain and current Manchester City coach Mikel Arteta and Max Allegri. However, the board decided on Emery after he proved his worth during the round of interviews conducted.
Emery jumped the gun in his Arsenal appointment Monday night as he had a larger banner on his website proudly declaring, “Proud to be part of the Arsenal family.”
What do you think about the appointment of Emery? Will he be able to live up to Wenger’s legacy? Let us know in the comments below.