Arsenal: 'Great honour' to take charge of club says Ljungberg
Arsenal director Josh Kroenke has urged interim boss Freddie Ljungberg and his players to “get back to basics” and “have some fun” as the Swede prepares for his first game in charge on Sunday. Ljungberg will lead his side to Norwich seeking to put an end to Arsenal’s dismal run of seven games without a win in all competitions.
That poor string of results ultimately cost Unai Emery his job as the Spaniard was dismissed on Friday with Ljungberg immediately being promoted from assistant coach to caretaker manager.
It is a quick ascent for club legend Ljungberg who was only scaled up from Under-23s boss in the summer to join Emery’s backroom team.
Arsenal director Josh Kroenke sends message to Freddie Ljungberg ahead of Norwich bow (Image: Arsenal.com)
“I think footballers are at their best when I see smiles on their faces and going out there and winning matches. That's a winning formula to me.”
It was a fairly straightforward decision to give Ljungberg the reins, explained the American businessman.
“First and foremost Freddie has Arsenal DNA,” he added.
“Obviously he was a player here for a number of years, the supporters know him very well and he's worked diligently behind the scenes for the past several years, including the last year and a half or so with Arsenal again.
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“So it's been great to have him around, he knows the club's DNA and we feel he is the right person in the moment to take the club forward.”
Ljungberg has reportedly not been ruled out of the running for the permanent role but played down his aspirations to lead the team on a full-time basis.
“For the moment it's for the future of the football club,” he told Arsenal’s website.
“I’m here to help the club as much as I possibly can and try to get a good atmosphere around the club and with the supporters and that's what I'm focusing on at the moment and then we'll see.”
Josh Kroenke spoke with Freddie Ljungberg on Friday (Image: Getty)
Asked what tweaks he will make, Ljungberg replied: “Of course small things will change. I'm not going to do anything radical because I don't think that's the best thing to do.
“I’m not going to just go and smash things up. But I'm quite clear with what I think I want to try.
“At the same time, we have one training session until the game tomorrow so we have to be intelligent with what you try to change because it needs to stick as well.”
The 42-year-old was part of Arsenal’s iconic Invincibles side which thrilled fans with their attacking flair and defensive solidity.
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As for the style he will implement, Ljungberg said: “I've been at Arsenal for a long, long, long time, I like entertaining football but of course at the same time you can't concede goals. That's a tricky balance to find.
“For me, happy footballers play the best football. That's a part I learnt as a player.
“There is a time to work hard but at the same time we need to enjoy what we're doing. Often the players we have enjoy playing offensive football which makes them happy.”