Arsenal: Ljungberg working with a 'skeleton crew' says Gray
Arsenal secretary David Miles hopes the club will find some “stability soon” by appointing a new head coach. The Gunners sacked Unai Emery three weeks ago after a seven-game winless run but do not appear much closer to appointing his permanent successor.
Freddie Ljungberg has been placed in caretaker charge while the board interview candidates but the club’s worrying form has heaped the pressure on them to make an appointment soon.
Miles was in Nyon on Monday afternoon as Arsenal’s representative for the Europa League last-32 draw and offered an update on the hunt for a new manager.
Asked when an appointment will be made, the club secretary replied: “That’s not part of my brief, thankfully!
“I’ll leave that to the big bosses. But I hope for some stability soon.”
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Ljungberg will not be in charge for the challenge of Olympiacos and even urged Gunners bosses to appoint a full-time coach soon so the club can reset itself.
“I’ve said to the club that of course for me it’s a great, great honour to do this,” the Swede said.
“But Per [Mertersacker, his assistant] is the academy manager and he’s doing two jobs in one go.
“I’ve said I think it needs to be cleared up, to make a decision so everybody knows.
Mikel Arteta was at Emirates Stadium on Sunday (Image: Getty)
Europa League: Arsenal will not win with Ljungberg says pundit
“That is something I have said but it is totally up to the club.
“I’m very honoured and I try to do things as good as I can but I think as well it would be good to make a decision, regardless of what it is.”
Manchester City assistant manager Mikel Arteta is the bookies’ favourite to take the reins off Ljungberg.
The Spaniard was on the City bench at Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon to witness the Citizens’ 3-0 demolition, which did not paint Arsenal in the best light.
He is still interested in the job, however, and Arsenal managing director Vinai Venkatesham was pictured coming out of Arteta’s house in the early hours of Monday morning.