It’s nearly 22 years since Arsenal last presented a new manager to the press corps so it was a novel experience for nearly everyone at the Emirates yesterday as Unai Emery made his introductions.
The Spaniard was 24 when Arsene Wenger was appointed Arsenal manager in September 1996, a young defender who had just signed for Toledo from Real Sociedad.
Now he is boss of one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, but one that has drifted for the best part of a decade under Wenger, who, coincidentally, was also 46 when he was appointed manager.
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“Good afternoon - thanks for being here and thank you to the Kroenke family,” was how Emery introduced himself, before going on to shower more of the Arsenal board with gratitude.
That wasn’t really what the journalists were there for. They wanted to learn more about how they had been fooled, deceived into thinking - up until Monday - that Mikel Arteta was the chosen one.
Emery revealed that he had flown to Atlanta last week to meet Stan Kroenke, the club’s majority shareholder, but it was chief executive Ivan Gazidis who explained the hows, whys and wherefores of the appointment.
“We created a long list of eight people,” said Gazidis. “Our first interview was in April. our last was on 10 May and we interviewed Unai in May. A formal recommendation to the board was supported by a 100-page dossier with a great degree of background information.
“All of the board members were energised and enthused by our decision.”
Asked what had sealed the deal as far as Emery’s candidature, Gazidis replied: “He was extraordinarily well prepared with a knowledge of Arsenal and an analysis of all of our players, their qualities and how he can help them develop.
“The thing that distinguished him above all that was the chemistry between us and the feeling for football in the room.”
Emery, who gamely tried to speak in English despite his limitations in the language, told the press what he wanted from his squad.
“The objective is to work hard together and with these talented players,” he said. “It’s very important for the club, after two years outside the Champions League, to work to be the best team in the Premier League.”
If the Arsenal board were impressed with the Spaniard, then Emery was also taken with what he had seen and heard during his job interview.
“We want to work on this club together,” he said. “I know my ambition and my passion and to know how I want to grow up with Arsenal. All the conversations I have had with the club shows we share the same vision for the club.”
Speaking to Sky Sports, pundit Jamie Redknapp said it was a good appointment because the Arsenal squad needs a “kick up the backside”, but the former England star warned Emery that it will be no easy task to drag players like Mesut Ozil out of the comfort zone they’ve enjoyed for too long.
What Emery said
On his ambition for Arsenal: “I want to be among the best teams in Europe and be among the elite. I also want the team to make the fans proud of the side. They are already but even more so.”
On what he wants from his first season: “I don’t promise today we will win but I can promise you we will work hard and we will work together. We will transmit our emotion and we will fight for the objectives.”
On the prospect of having Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho as rivals: “I’m excited to be here and fight against some top managers and some top teams. The Premier League is at the top and everyone wants to be in the top leagues. I speak with a lot of coaches privately but now that I am here, all information is welcome.”
On Mesut Ozil: “He’s one of the biggest talents here and I want talented players here. I want to spend time with him and all of the players - to speak to them about how inspired and excited I am to be here and for them to feel it too. We all need to give 100% and that’s what I’m looking for from every player and myself.”
On Jack Wilshere: “I don’t want to talk individually about the players. This is a big team and today I want to work and speak globally for the squad.”
On succeeding Arsene Wenger: “This is a big project and I am proud to be here and to work after Arsene Wenger. I want to say thank you Arsene Wenger for your legacy. For all the coaches in the world he is a reference. We learned, I learned from him all the things in football.”
On talking English: “My English is not the very best now and I want to make it easier to speak my thoughts to you and the supporters. To explain my ideas, ambitions. I’m very excited for this opportunity at a big club.”
