Arsenal Were in Decline😳 Under Wenger : Emery

Unai Emery has told Marca that Arsenal were in decline when he took over, having lost their defensive structure under Arsene Wenger.

Emery became coach in May after Wenger ended his 22-year reign, inheriting a team that finished sixth in the Premier League last season, and said his predecessor's focus on attacking football had led to defensive weaknesses.

"Before Wenger arrived, Arsenal celebrated the 1-0 wins and were based on defensive solidity," he said.

"With Arsene, they became an attacking team, with players who were good on the ball, and the perfect combination came with The Invincibles [when an unbeaten Arsenal won the 2003-04 Premier League].

"But with time, you can only take care of technique and attacking freedom, losing your defensive structure. What I want to do is unite the two and become more competitive. Arsenal were falling. We had to stop that and start to lift them.

"These days, it's very difficult for a coach to last 22 years. The chairs had to be moved in all sectors of the club. Not because of previous negligence, but to motivate everyone again -- to shake it up, to sweep things under the carpet, to open the windows, all positive things."

Share: