Arsenal F.C. have announced the successor to Arsene Wenger as their new manager, Unai Emery. Emery becomes Arsenal's first new manager in almost 22 years. Spaniard has managed Sevilla and PSG.
At 9:41 AM this morning, Arsenal confirmed Unai Emery will be Arsene Wenger's successor as their head coach. He joins the club after completing a two-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain, where he recently landed the treble of Ligue 1, Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue.
A new dawn. A new era. A new chapter.#WelcomeUnai pic.twitter.com/kGrE2gMLQl— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) May 23, 2018
Emery becomes Arsenal's first new manager in almost 22 years.
Emeri emerged as a surprise favourite earlier this week after it had seemed former Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta was in line to land the job.
The Arsenal statement in full ...
Unai Emery is to become our new head coach. He joins the club after completing a two-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain, where he recently landed the treble of Ligue 1, Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue.
Unai, 46, previously spent three seasons with Sevilla, leading them to an unprecedented three consecutive Europa League titles, establishing the club as a major force in the Spanish league.
Announcing the appointment, chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: “Unai has an outstanding track record of success throughout his career, has developed some of the best young talent in Europe and plays an exciting, progressive style of football that fits Arsenal perfectly. His hard-working and passionate approach and his sense of values on and off the pitch make him the ideal person to take us forward.
🔊 Here's Ivan Gazidis on what Unai Emery will bring to us...#WelcomeUnai pic.twitter.com/eynMjbG2nY— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) May 23, 2018
“We conducted a confidential, wide-ranging and rigorous search involving extensive background references, data and video analysis, and personal meetings with all the candidates we shortlisted. All were interested in the position and we were unanimous in our choice of Unai to drive the next chapter of our history.”
Majority owner Stan Kroenke said: “We’re delighted to welcome Unai to Arsenal. He’s a proven winner. We’re confident that he is the right person for the job and that he will work to deliver the triumphs our fans, staff and everyone who cares about Arsenal want.
“Several things stood out during his interview and the entire process; his football knowledge, energy, determination and love of the game. His familiarity with our club and our players, the Premier League and the game in Europe were all very impressive. He shares our vision to move forward, to build on the platform created by Arsène Wenger and help this club enjoy greater success.”
So what style of play will Unai Emery bring to us?— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) May 23, 2018
Here's the answer... #WelcomeUnai pic.twitter.com/QikPVR9Wcr
Unai said: “I am thrilled to be joining one of the great clubs in the game. Arsenal is known and loved throughout the world for its style of play, its commitment to young players, the fantastic stadium, the way the club is run. I’m very excited to be given the responsibility to start this important new chapter in Arsenal’s history. I have met Stan and Josh Kroenke and it’s clear they have great ambitions for the club and are committed to bringing future success. I’m excited about what we can do together and I look forward to giving everyone who loves Arsenal some special moments and memories.”
Unai started his coaching career at Lorca Deportiva in 2005 after playing mostly in the Spanish second division. He went on to coach Almeria, Valencia and Spartak Moscow before joining Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain.
Unai Emery facts
After winning the UEFA Europa League in 2013-14, 2014-15 & 2015-16, Unai Emery shares the record for the most UEFA Cup/Europa League titles alongside Giovanni Trapattoni (3). He's the only manager to do this in three successive seasons, however.
Unai Emery’s 73.7% win ratio and points per game ratio of 2.37 was the best ever seen in Ligue 1 by a Paris Saint-German boss.
Unai Emery won seven of the eight domestic competitions he competed in with Paris Saint-Germain (Trophée des Champions x2, Coupe de la Ligue x2, Ligue 1, Coupe de France x2); only Laurent Blanc (11) won more trophies at the club.
Unai Emery has come up against Pep Guardiola ( 10 games ) and Jose Mourinho ( 5 games ) on 15 occasions overall, but hasn't won a single one of those matches ( W0 D5 L10 ).
