Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang backs new interim manager Freddie Ljunbjerg to succeed
Arsenal star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang backs new interim manager Freddie Ljunbjerg to succeed following the Gunners’ lacklustre 2-2 draw against Norwich in what was the new manager’s debut match.
The Gabonese international scored twice in the draw, with the first being a retaken penalty, and has recently taken over the captaincy duties following Granit Xhaka’s outburst against Crystal Palace.
Ljunbjerg was asked to be the caretaker manager of the club by the board following the dismissal of Unai Emery due to the poor performances and results that his side produced.
The draw at 19th placed Norwich means the Gunners are in an eight-game winless streak in all competitions but Aubameyang believes that club legend Ljunbjerg can give the side something special.
The striker spoke highly of his new manager stating that his career as a player speaks for itself and that having played for Arsenal, means that he knows what it takes and what it means to play for this prestigious club.
Aubameyang, who is 30 years old, also said that is interesting to have him in charge but that it is a good thing.
Many managers have been rumoured to take over as the next permanent Arsenal manager with the likes of Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo and Napoli manager Carlo Ancelloti being mentioned.
Odds of Next Permanent Arsenal Manager
3/2 – Massimiliano Allegri
3/1 – Brendan Rodgers
5/1 – Mikel Arteta
5/1 – Freddie Ljunbjerg
7/1 – Mauricio Pochettino
However, the likes of Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers and Max Allegri, who is currently having a sabbatical, are favourites to replace Emery.
Ljunbjerg is also at good odds to become the next permanent manager and could follow Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Chelsea boss Frank Lampard in managing a club where they made their names as a player.
He will have to do a lot of work to turn around the fortunes of Arsenal since they look more likely to miss out on Champions League football next season.
The Gunners sit in 8th place in the league, 7 points of automatic qualification to Europe’s most elite competition.
Arsenal are still the only side in the top half of the table to have a negative goal difference and their defensive woes have been a huge problem for them.
This season, in the fixtures against the bottom three sides – Southampton, Norwich and Watford – they have all been 2-2 draws and those sides have struggled for goals this season.
Ljunbjerg will be hoping that he can help push his side to a win in their next outing against Brighton in what would be the Swede’s home debut.
