Morning all.
Unai Emery it is then. Well, according to nearly every sports outlet there is out there. The 46 year old Spaniard announced last month that he wouldn’t be renewing his contract with French League Champions Paris Saint-Germain. I’d imagine much of the reason he and PSG came to that decision was the 6-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League having looked favourites to progress in the competition. A wealth of talent in France couldn’t get past the wealth of experience in the team from his country of birth. A domestic treble wasn’t bad though eh.
Emery’s managerial success.
- Sevilla
- UEFA Europa League: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16
- Copa del Rey: Runner-up 2015–16
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Ligue 1: 2017–18
- Coupe de France: 2016–17, 2017–18
- Coupe de la Ligue: 2016–17, 2017–18
- Trophée des Champions: 2016, 2017
Individual
- Miguel Muñoz Trophy (Segunda División): 2005–06, 2006–07
- La Liga Manager of the Month: March 2014, January 2015
- European Coach of the Season: 2013–14
- UNFP Manager of the Year: 2017–18
Despite winning silverware at the above two clubs, it was at Valencia he faced his toughest challenge. A tight budget and having to sell players because of financial problems. During his four years he kind of mirrored Arsene Wenger’s career, well, certainly when we moved stadiums as Champions League football was the best he could manage.
After Valencia came a short spell in Russia with Spartak Moscow and what a disaster that was. Just a few months after joining them, he was sacked.
He headed home back then, to Sevilla and for three years on the trot, he and his team won the Europa Cup. The best imo was the last one he won. 1-0 down to Liverpool, back they came with three goals to retain the big jug. Handy really since that’s exactly what we’ll be trying to win next season.
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Emery led PSG to second place in their group of the Champions League, funny enough, behind Arsenal and after beating, no, thrashing Barcelona 4-0 at home, Emery was soon to break a European record. Sadly for him and his team, it wasn’t for good reasons as they lost the return leg 6-1 and were out. Domestic trophies have been good to him in France, a spooky resemblance I’d say but as far as PSG goes, Europe has been his downfall. Oh yes, he’ll suit Arsenal down to the ground because for twenty two years we’ve failed in Europe, not just the two.
On 20th April 2018, Emery announced his decision to leave club at the end of the season with a year left on his contract according to Wikipedia. Just eight days later, Arsene Wenger announced his departure from Arsenal too. Apparently, he’s used to working for people and not being the one who dictates all, so he’ll fit in quite well with the structure Ivan has put in place.
Perhaps Emery was always Plan A but unlike our previous manager, the club had a Plan B and that was Mikel Arteta. We’ll never know for sure and I guess it matters not now. Not if Emery really is to become Arsenal manager. Reading a few headlines it seems not all fans are happy with this news which is odd. After all, Arteta wasn’t experienced enough yet with the wealth of experience Emery brings with him, now he’s not good enough either. Who knows really as only time will tell us if he is.
A bit of squad news which isn’t good news imo. There’s a few players switching their numbers. Cech will now wear number 1, Elneny number 4, Xhaka number 34 and Bellerin will be our number 2. Kind of suggests we won’t be getting a new keeper this summer doesn’t it? Mind you, if Ospina goes as expected, perhaps his replacement will put up a serious fight for that place in the first team.
Finally, Santi Cazorla has gone which is very sad. I know it makes sense as far as his playing days go but I think he could have given a lot to the team off the pitch. Perhaps one day he’ll return in a different role after he decides to hang up his boots. Who knows but I wish him well, I really do. Santi was a superb little player who always played with a smile on his face. When he was on the pitch, we ticked and when he wasn’t, he was seriously missed. He’s one of those players I’ll always miss..
Have a good day guys…
Morning rico, all. Good report. Amazing how so many pundits are experts in how things would/will turn out with Arteta or now Emery. Truth is none of us know, but I’m excited by the return of passion to the touchline. And by the thought that he analyses every opposition and has plan A, B, C, D, E ….. How will our players adapt to that? No more comfort zone that’s for sure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PebERzMJGqk
A bit of flesh on the bones.
Morning Andrew and all.
Spot on. We wanted experience and that’s just what Arsenal seem to have done yet still it’s not right. I read what Smudger said and he reckons we should all be excited about what Emery will bring.
I am, but then I would have been had Arteta got the job because it’s something different to what has bored me to tears for so long. Agree too, they’ll be no hiding for the players now and the comfort zone will have gone..
Morning everyone.
I am really going to miss Santi Cazorla because he is one of my favourite players and I just feel like I will miss him so much, I call him my magician.
As for Unai Emery, I think he might be a better choice than Mikel Arteta who has no experience.
great post.. the way I see it is the current Arsenal team is not a bad team I think they’re a very decent squad but they seriously lack tactical awareness, planning and discipline something I think Emery will excel at.
if we’d have had some of those qualities last season who knows we might have won 8 or 9 game’s away from home probably would have finished top 4.
‘There’s more to PSG than simply buying up the best players.’
Music to my ears from that clip, and let’s be honest, it’s highly unlikely the club will blow £200m on one player as the French club did and would any of us really want them to?
Good post Rico. Why oh why can’t Arsenal just make the announcement like West Ham have. It all has to be cloak and dagger and shrouded in mystery. Its like pulling teeth. THE ARSENAL WAY I suppose
Thanks Andrew, Kel.
I’m of a similar opinion Kel. I think we have a pretty good squad, many, if not most just need to know what they’re doing. Emery, with his tactical skills should help there surely.
……..Good morning Rico, on your last point I would like the club to buy an expensive wonder striker guaranteed to get us thirty goals a season. Only problem is, with our injury record he’d more than likely tear a cruciate ligament while celebrating his first goal, on his debut, and not play again until the final two games of the season.
Me too Atf..
Haven’t we got two already Cicero, morning to you btw? They just need better service imo.
……Paddywhack, not much point announcing the signing until all the i’s have been dotted and the t’s crossed. You would be really p****d off if the deal fell through after it had been splashed all over the back pages.
The “Arsenal Way” has always to do the business behind closed doors.
I can only imagine that the rather underwhelmed reactions we are seeing come largely from those who only know Arsenal under the Lord Wenger.
Thanks Paddy, perhaps the contract hasn’t been signed yet… lol
……..Okay Rico, make that a ‘keeper guaranteed to save every penalty awarded and keep a clean sheet now and then. ?
Has to be Adam.
Interesting times ahead…. looking forward to next season and I haven’t done that for several seasons!
Can’t you smell the fumes of the burning red hats Brudder??
Me too Brudder. Let’s hope that, when he sees a problem, he addresses it.
That’ll be a novelty in itself.
Me too Lee, me too.
I’ve been looking forward to the new season since AW announced he was leaving…
Sad about Santi though..
Brudder. They’ll be more disappointed that Ken Livingstone has left their party I imagine.
Hi BT. I agree. Santi was a great player and a proper person it seems.
Ditto Bt, even if Arteta had got the job..
I think it is quite a sensible decision (did I really say that?). Lots of experience working with limited resources before PSG and working as a coach not a “Manager”. He seems to adapt to the opposition – when did we last see that? Works players at training, organises defence, personally coaches players one to one to develop them. Has won European trophies and domestic competitions. I’m prepared to get behind him and give him support. I will, at least, watch games again next season without homicidal feelings towards the manager ( I wouldn’t know which one of three to kill). I just hope we get a few players in in the right places- we all know what those are. I must admit to being perturbed that Chec getting the number 1 shirt as that position, to me, is most need of strengthening. But despite this, bring it on.
Just read LG’s take on Emery, I’m really surprised the impending appointment has gone down so badly..
Hi Rico, hope all is well
I can certainly live with the appointment of Emery much more than I would,ve done Arteta, with all due respect to Arteta,I felt appointing him was coming at a wrong time in the life of the club, he,s lack of experience just didn,t sit right with me. Emery has just won a domestic treble and did very well with limited resources at Valencia and Seville, winning 3 Europa leagues,
Imo, in Emery I feel we could have a manager who the players will look up to, Respect, is proven, can instill discipline, tactical know how, attract the best players, can play to the strength of his team, can vary games depending on opposition, is a fighter, a no-nonsense personality and most of all, someone who I hope and believe is a winner.
I’m still battling with the fact that due to Wenger destroying all my hope, optimism and enjoyment of being an Arsenal fan for the last few seasons now, my passion for the club had drained to the extent that I was watching Arsenal as an observer, and cared so little of late. I’ve no idea whether the passion and affection will ever return – I suspect it will, but hopefully the appointment of Emery, alongside Mislintat and sanhelli etc, is a move in the right direction and we can finally move on from the ghost of Wenger and start challenging again…
Rico, the blogs are full of people who just want to be miserable about everything Arsenal.
If we’d got Allegri or Enrique you would still get moaners complaining.
So my advice is, don’t read most of the crap, just see how the team performs, believe your own eyes and ignore the rest as its just noise.
Personally I’m quite looking forward to the new way we set up how we defend, how the midfield covers that the defence and the change in tactics and substitutions.
That’ll tell me all I need to know about life under Dick Emery.
Morning all, great ,informative, opener rico.
I agree with everyone, about ? everything.?☀️
Out with the old (Bould?) in with the new. I wonder if he has his own Staff and who else may be swept away, until there is no trace of the man who shall not be named.?
If the figures are correct from Cicero’s post the other day, we have lots of dosh (£147 million profit from the season just gone), and any more that Stan wants to contribute to the cause ??.?
It will be an interesting season if nothing else. Will sleazy Gazedy part with any money though? Oops, I’m being negative again ? Correction, it will be a brilliant new start, with a proper coach who can organise a team properly.
If we lose quite a few games, (i hope we dont) so what, he will need a season or two to know what’s what. We have to give him time (not money).lol.
I’ll get me coat on the way out.?
Hi Jon, good to see you back. Your enthusiasm will soon return I’m sure. lol
I know what you mean re last season etc, win, lose or draw, it mattered little to me as I couldn’t care less. I wanted them to win of course, but expected very little from Wenger.
Hi Kev, agree and very good advice.. 🙂
Thanks Meerkat, would you like some help finding your coat?
New kit is out..
https://www.arsenal.com/news/arsenal-and-puma-unveil-201819-home-kit
No, but you can get the door for me Rico.
I’d change the locks too btw. You don’t need any naysayers like me, who dares to disagree, finding their way in to this love-in.
I’m far from miserable, but I’m a woman so it’s my prerogative to disagree sometimes. That’s not being sexist btw, it’s just true.
Even though AW has gone, he still gets slated on here. I think you are all going to miss him more than I am!
It says at the top of the page ‘where it’s ok to disagree ‘. It so isn’t. Anyone with differing views is soon seen off or totally ignored. So grown up.
As it is mine Meerkat but considering you get so upset about Wenger and the criticism he gets, I’m surprised you so freely insult Gazidis.
Miss Wenger, I think you’re kidding yourself..
By the way, Irony is in the dictionary – have a look…
I’m not sure about the hiring of a former comedian to run the coaching of our little darlings! Of course it may turn out that he is a magical appointment. A coach with a plan, that’ll be revolutionary in itself. However, and despite the fact that Ornstein has decreed it, he has yet to be announced, by the club that Unai (Dick) Emery has been appointed as head coach of AFC.
Arsenal.com will provide all the answers and then we will be able to unleash the unfettered approval or contempt we actually feel about our latest incumbent in the leather swivel chair?
Afternoon all. Another sunny day.
Hi Fellas…. Rico, always a very good read and points.
To paraphrase a famous Nigerian musician, “no one knows tomorrow”. But haven’t said that, we can make some assumptions based on past trends. Emery is overrated. His teams consistantly under achieve, 2 of the Europa Cup wins came after they were knocked out of the champions league. Watching PSG for the past 2 seasons, either the players were not listening to him (which is not good) or he’s not the tactical genius people are making him out to be (which is even worst). Tactical geniuses don’t lose 6-1 in the 2nd leg, when they are 4-0 up in the first.
And tactical geniuses with the best team and the most expenses players in the league don’t lose to, to name but a few, Toulouse, Montepellier, Nice, Guingamp, Strasburg, Lyon, St. Etienne, and Amiens. When pitted against comparable competitors in CL, lost 2-4 to Totts, 2-3 to Juvy, 1-3 to Real and how can we forget 1-6 to Barce.
Maybe and just maybe Emery will be better at Arsenal, after all, we all want that as Arsenal fans. But one thing for sure he can’t be any worse than Arsene was for the last 5 seasons, can he?
Then again LC, I still think Sonogo will be great…..lol. I read that, that was good.
Watching Santi was such a joy. What a player? Has an unbelievable abilities: very high tactical mind, wonderful ball skills, mentally strong and amazing positional awareness…… if I was Wilshire, Ramsey or Xhaka I will have that dude on speed dial and spending my off seasons at his house. I will miss him.
We have to accept where we are in the pecking order. We might pine for Allegri or Enrique but the truth is that we are not of the stature that they want. In Italy the old lady of Turin rules the roost where the Arsenal do not in England and probably not in London at the moment.
Enrique has taken his sabbatical following Barca , unless there is serious money on the table , he aint coming. Which leaves us a little further down the list and Emery is as good as it gets there. If he is as tactically astute as they say then Wenger’s crop of players may well surprise us . Coached properly he may well find that he has a crop that can perform better than previously.
Maintain the home record and win or draw a few away and suddenly we are back in the Champions league spots. It sounds easy but there may have to be a bit of culling of those not willing to get on board with a few replacements but currently my glass is filling and nearly half full again.
Any justice in the world, and it wouldn’t be Cazorla that had gangrene and so many operations at his prime. So many sour faces, and the chap with the permanent smile suffers. Ho hum, felt same about Rocastle and that was a far worse.
Cheering up, how about Pires as part of his team?
Evening all and thanks Rico.
Still, he`s younger than Pocketdildo, Klopp and Pep !……………although not as Spanish sounding as Arteta !.
Rumoured two year contract with an option of third year, this is good because if he is not the right choice then it`s not long (like Wenger`s last contract) to wait for him to be gone !………………………….and with Gazidis now the power crazed boss he could be sacked in the first year as gone is the Wenger power syndrome days.
He may do well, but other than Simeone type tactics, Im in doubt anyone can match their coaching ability against CFG`s money.as money equals trophies or atleast being competitive and before anyone tries to doubt that statement just look into your commonsense and ask yourself this……………………………..would CFG aka Man City have won the trophies they have won without the Billions spent ?…………………….an average to small club that is now deemed richer/worth more money than our beloved Arsenal by is it Forbes or Deloitte ?…………………………since 2008 to 2016 CFG have spent £1.011B on players !…………………………………do I really have to put up the amount Kroenke has invested ? hahaha
I cant wait for the new season to start as I know that no one……………..unless they are EKB`s (Emery Knows Best)…………………………will be able to contain their fury if he doesn`t get off to a good start, after years of slating Wenger it could be hard to give anyone a transitional period, we want instant success and why should we not be like it when owner mentallity of serial winners …………..the big 3……………..dont wait around, they demand instant success !
Mind you after Wenger`s last season, it shouldn`t be hard to improve on, but it will be interesting to see how long it is before the knives come out if it does`nt start right and I hear he doesn`t speak English, which could be good as he wont understand Lee`s language !………….hahaha
Entertaining and exciting times ahead ?
🙂
Agree Andrew. We should have had him for a couple more years at least but cut in his prime, same with Rosicky..
Thanks Obi. I’m quietly confident that if Emery becomes the manager he’ll do rather well..
The knives are already out by thelook of it on NN Lc. All rather odd imo..
Rico. Has Emery even signed a contract yet?
Not that I’ve seen Adam.
Ornstein has seen it in his tea leafs !
🙂
Keep calm, carry on and wait until you see it announced on arsenal.com .
Who should be our new captain?
Cicero, Ramsey as captain, playing in the free role he plays for Wales. With a proper defensive midfielder like Kante or Matic behind him.
Evening all
I am relieved that the club opted for Emery over Arteta. .I really like him and did since his days at valencia …really hope that he succeedes at arsenal.
I would have preferred Jardim, but Iam happy with Emery. .imagine if Brenda was announced. .lol
Arteta appointment at this critical time would have caused more divisions and unnecessary distraction imo. .
I didn’t see the lack of English held the likes of pochettino, mancini or conte ..it’s the last thing we have to worry about.
We had enough of wenger’s English jargons anyway ?
For once we should all be excited about the new regime and look forward to the coming season .
Happy days
Kk, he’s probably undergoing a crash course on English as I type… 😉
Morning all.
What shall we moan about today… lol
……..On an official Unai Emery website a photo of him beside an Arsenal flag with the inscription “Proud to be part of the Arsenal family”.
Sorry that got messed up a bit, here it is again,
…..On an official Unai Emery website a photo of him beside an Arsenal flag with the inscription …..“Proud to be part of the Arsenal family” has appeared.
…..It was taken down shortly after.
…….is it my computer? why does the start of each line get covered by the coloured box thing?
Morning Rico and all. We could moan about why Arteta would have been a better choice than Emery but not as good as Allegri. Or we could have a serious moan about the limited transfer budget, ignoring the fact that nobody knows just what that is. The list of topics is virtually endless. 🙂
Cicero , I get that on my phone but not my computer .
Morning Adam, Potter, Cicero.
It’s probably the adverts Cicero, on a phone, they do have a mind of their own…
Just those few Adam? lol
Just seen the new kit and it looks like a pyjama top that someone has pinned a teatowel on the front.
Rico. There’s a few more too. 🙂
So Dick’s in…. 🙂
🙂 Adam.
Not from where I’m sitting Lee. lol
New post up now…