Arsenal Open to Freddie Ljungberg Staying in Charge for Remainder of the Season

Arsenal will consider allowing interim manager Freddie Ljungberg to continue in his new role for the rest of the 2019/20 campaign.

Unai Emery's sacking on Friday saw the Swede appointed as head coach on a temporary basis as the Gunners seek a permanent replacement. However, club officials appreciate finding the ideal character to be their new manager is problematic, especially midway through a season, meaning Ljungberg could remain at his post until May.

According to the ​Guardian, the 42-year-old wants to stay in charge beyond the end of the current campaign, with the former ​Arsenal forward acutely aware that he is amongst the candidates for the full-time job.

Despite Ljungberg having no managerial experience, the Gunners board are thought to be relaxed about the situation and have faith in his abilities.

The two-time ​Premier League champion has earned respect and admiration throughout the Arsenal setup, having started his coaching career with the under-15s, before returning to manage the senior academy side following a brief stint as assistant manager at Wolfsburg.

Ljungberg will be given the freedom to build his own coaching team, with Per Mertesacker ​already confirmed as a member. The German is due to travel with the senior side for their game at ​Norwich City on Sunday.

The pair held a group meeting with the squad ahead of the clash with the Canaries, during which they addressed a number of problems that have plagued the Gunners this term.

Speaking to his players, Ljungberg told them they must stay true to the club's values, while also reiterating the importance of harmony and togetherness within the group.

Arsenal are currently ninth in the table, though they have played one less match than many of their rivals in the top-flight. 

Fortunately for the north Londoners, fourth-place ​Chelsea lost to ​West Ham United on Saturday, meaning the gap between them and the Blues remains at eight points as the Gunners prepare to take on Norwich.

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