Arsenal have confirmed that manager Unai Emery and his coaching staff have left the club after a poor run of results.
Spaniard Emery, who was appointed as Arsene Wenger’s replacement in May 2018, leaves after 18 months in charge.
His firing comes after the Gunners were beaten 2-1 by Eintracht Frankfurt in the Uefa Europa League on Thursday night. The result leaves Arsenal without a win in seven games, the club’s worst run since 1992.
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Following Emery’s departure the club have also confirmed that Freddie Ljungberg has been appointed as interim head coach.
Speaking on behalf of the Arsenal board and owners Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, director Josh Kroenke said: “Our most sincere thanks go to Unai and his colleagues who were unrelenting in their efforts to get the club back to competing at the level we all expect and demand. We wish Unai and his team nothing but future success.”
The club statement added: “The decision has been taken due to results and performances not being at the level required. We have asked Freddie Ljungberg to take responsibility for the first team as interim head coach. We have full confidence in Freddie to take us forward.
“The search for a new head coach is underway and we will make a further announcement when that process is complete.”
Ljungberg’s first game will be a trip to Norwich City on Sunday (2pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports).
Ancelotti and Allegri linked
The Daily Telegraph’s Sam Wallace reports that Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti is among the candidates to replace Emery. The former Chelsea manager is a three-time Champions League winner.
Sky Sports News says there has been contact between Arsenal and former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri. The Italian left Juve last summer but Sky says he is reportedly on a sabbatical and will not accept another managerial role this season.
Jose Mourinho was a target for senior figures at Arsenal before he took over at north London rivals Tottenham.
In recent weeks Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo and Manchester City assistant coach Mikel Arteta have also been linked with the job.
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Next Arsenal manager betting odds
With Emery now gone, who could take over as the next permanent manager at the Emirates Stadium?
According to Oddschecker Wolves boss Santo, Ljungberg and Man City coach Arteta are the three favourites.
- Nuno Espirito Santo: 2/1
- Fredrik Ljungberg: 2/1
- Mikel Arteta: 8/1
- Mauricio Pochettino: 10/1
- Massimiliano Allegri: 20/1
- Eddie Howe: 25/1
- Ralf Rangnick: 25/1
- Christophe Galthier: 25/1
- Patrick Vieira: 25/1
How Twitter reacted to Emery’s sacking
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