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Tag: Unai Emery

  • Transfer news: Emery set to replace Ozil with James Rodriguez

    Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, is reportedly targeting a move for Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez to replace Mesut Ozil.

    Rodriguez has spent the last 18 months on loan at Bayern Munich and his future beyond the summer is uncertain, as he has struggled to hold down a spot this season.

    And Arsenal could take advantage and take over the loan deal for the remainder of the campaign, at a cost of £3million, according to the Daily Mail.

    Bayern paid £11.5m for the two-year loan and have the option to buy Rodriguez for £39.5m this summer.

    Emery’s interest in Rodriguez, comes amid speculations that he is willing to sanction Mesut Ozil’s exit this month.

    Ozil has fallen out of favour this season under Emery and was left out of the Gunners’ squad for Saturday’s loss to West Ham.

    And it is understood that the manager has lost faith in his playmaker and wants him out before the end of January.

  • EPL: Ozil no longer fit for Arsenal team – Emery

    Arsenal manager Unai Emery has suggested Mesut Ozil is no longer fit for his team as he sat out Saturday’s Premier League defeat at West Ham.

    Ozil, returned to full training over the last week following a knee problem, but was left out of Emery’s travelling party completely as Declan Rice’s first senior goal sealed a 1-0 victory for West Ham at the London Stadium.

    The German has missed a number of games this season, with differing reasons given for his absence. A 2-1 win at Bournemouth in November was the only time Emery conceded the former Germany international was left out for tactical reasons.

    The Arsenal head coach stuck with the side which beat Fulham in their last Premier League outing, but the visitors were poor as they failed to find the back of the net in a league game for the first time since the opening weekend of the campaign.

    But when pushed over why he opted to leave Ozil at home for the short trip to east London, Emery claimed all of those players who did make the trip deserved to be there.

    “I decided the idea of the players that I think are the best for this match,” he said.

    “We win with him, we lose with him. I think it is not one player [which means] we can’t win or lose.

    “Today the players who were here are the players who deserved to be in this match. We could’ve won or lost.

    “We continue working with every player because they are all important, but today the decision was to come with these players.”

  • EPL: Arsenal cannot afford permanent deals – Emery

    EPL: Arsenal cannot afford permanent deals – Emery

    Arsenal are looking at signing players who can ensure a strong finish to their Premier League campaign, but their transfer activity this month could be restricted to loan signings, manager Unai Emery has said.

    The north London club are fifth on the table with 41 points, but Emery said fans could not expect permanent recruits in January.

    They have missed out on top-four finishes and Champions League qualification in the previous two seasons.

    “We cannot sign permanently. We can only loan players,” Emery told a news conference ahead of Saturday’s league trip to West Ham United.

    The Spaniard pointed out the difficulties in recruiting players in the January transfer window, but said the club were keeping their eyes open.

    “I know the club is working on possibilities of which players can help us with big performances like we need now.

    “If we can find one player who can help us like we need, with the quality and a different player for getting in our squad, we are going to do it,” Emery added.

    Arsenal’s transfer strategy in recent seasons has seen players run down their contract and leave for free, the latest being midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

    The Welsh midfielder is set to join Juventus in the close season after failing to agree a new deal.

    “I respect his decision a lot. My last conversation with him is very important,” Emery said.

    “We both spoke about the situation with respect from him and from us. His response has been very good in training and matches with good performances.

    “I want his behaviour and his focus to be on West Ham on Saturday.”

  • EPL: Arsenal coach Unai Emery fined for kicking bottle

    EPL: Arsenal coach Unai Emery fined for kicking bottle

    Unai Emery has been fined £8,000 by the Football Association after he admitted improper conduct during Arsenal’s game against Brighton for kicking a bottle towards a fan.

    The Arsenal head coach was charged last week over the incident which happened late on in their Boxing Day draw against Brighton at the Amex Stadium and was not included in the officials’ match report.

    Emery immediately apologised to the supporter after seeing the bottle had gone into the stands and subsequently repeated his regret at a pre-match news conference last week.

    n FA statement read: “Arsenal Manager Unai Emery has been fined £8,000 after he admitted an FA improper conduct charge and accepted the standard penalty.

    “It concerned his conduct during the game against Brighton on 26 December 2018.”

    Emery said after the match he was hopeful an apology would be the end of the matter but later added he would respect any decision the FA made.

    He said: “I repeat my apologies for my individual action but I kick the bottle because it is near me, not because it is my intention.

    “But I have to respect the decision because it is a circumstance of my action but not another intention from me with the supporter. I say to them my apology.”

  • EPL: Why Arsenal fell flat to Liverpool – Unai Emery

    EPL: Why Arsenal fell flat to Liverpool – Unai Emery

    Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, has blamed his defence and officiating, for their 5-1 loss to Liverpool on Saturday.

    The Gunners took the lead in the 11th minute, after Ainsley Maitland-Niles converted Alex Iwobi’s cross.

    Arsenal’s goal sparked the hosts into life, as they took the lead within five minutes, through a Roberto Firmino brace.

    Sadio Mane connected with Mohammed Salah’s touch-down to make it 3-1, before Salah converted from the spot in added time of the first half.

    Firmino rounded off scoring in the 65th minute from the penalty spot.

    “In the second half we needed to stand up, to keep our position individually and collectively on the game.

    “The two last goals, two penalties, it’s a lot for us.

    “VAR is important – it’s coming next year, because it’s going to help the referees to take better decisions,” he told BBC.

    On the better performances within his squad, Emery singled out Maitland-Niles and Alex Iwobi for praise.

    “There were some positives, Ainsley played as right winger and scored. Iwobi, after some matches not playing very well, today he played 90minutes with a good performance. But defensively we need to be stronger, to work.

    “Our defensive moments in our box, it’s my responsibility,” he added.

  • Arsenal coach Unai Emery charged for bottle kick

    Arsenal coach Unai Emery charged for bottle kick

    Arsenal head coach Unai Emery has been charged with improper conduct by the FA over the bottle kicking incident at Brighton on Boxing Day.

    Emery kicked the bottle in frustration during the 1-1 draw with Chris Hughton’s side at the Amex Stadium.

    An FA statement read: “Arsenal manager Unai Emery has been charged following the game against Brighton yesterday [26 December 2018]. It is alleged his action of kicking a water bottle during the fixture amounts to improper conduct.”

    Emery later admitted that the bottle hit a supporter, however, the incident is not thought to have been included in the referee’s match report.

    “I say yesterday [Wednesday] my apologies, I kicked the bottle in frustration but not for the supporter, I kicked for me and it went near to the supporter and I said to them my apologies,” he said. “There is not another communication.

    “I repeat today my apologies for my individual action but I kick the bottle because it is near me, but not because it is my intention.”

    Emery then said he would respect any decision the FA made, although he was keen to draw a line under the incident.

    “I hope so, yes,” he replied when asked whether his apology would mean he would not face official censure.

    “But I have to respect the decision because it is a circumstance of my action but not another intention from me with the supporter. I say to them my apology.”

    He has until 6pm on January 2 to respond.

  • EPL: Arsenal’s win over Tottenham a special moment – Emery

    EPL: Arsenal’s win over Tottenham a special moment – Emery

    Arsenal’s relentless attacking performance to overpower Tottenham was a “special” moment, says Unai Emery.

    His side extended their unbeaten run to 19 matches, moving above Spurs into the top four, with a display that reflected the outstanding work the Spaniard has done since succeeding Arsene Wenger.

    Despite his satisfaction at beating their arch-rivals in his first north London derby, Emery has challenged his players to continue improving.

    “It is a very big victory; we showed our supporters and we gave them the victory because it is a very special match against Tottenham, for us it is special also,” the Arsenal manager said.

    “But above all it is three points, like against Bournemouth last weekend.

    “We need to continue our process, creating our way. I want to do more.”

    Arsenal’s fast start drew early reward when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put them ahead from the spot after Jan Vertonghen’s handball.

    Yet Spurs, against the run of play, were ahead before the break. Eric Dier glanced home Christian Eriksen’s free-kick to equalise, sparking a melee involving players from both sides with his celebrations in front of Arsenal’s fans, before Harry Kane scored from the spot after Rob Holding was penalised for a challenge on Son Heung-min.

    Emery introduced Alexandre Lacazette and Aaron Ramsey at the start of the second half to dramatic effect.

    The Welshman set up Aubameyang’s magnificent finish and the France striker’s deflected shot beat goalkeeper Hugo Lloris from the edge of the area to put Arsenal ahead with 16 minutes left.

    The outstanding Lucas Torreira ran clear to wrap up Arsenal’s win and Spurs’ misery was complete when Vertonghen was sent off for a foul on Lacazette.

    “Until they scored the third goal I think the game was even, after that we started to pay,” Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said.

    “It was difficult for the team to show the energy that we normally show.”

  • Arsenal wants to create new history, says Emery ahead of London derby

    Arsenal wants to create new history, says Emery ahead of London derby

    Unai Emery wants to create “new history” at Arsenal as they prepare for a first north London derby against Tottenham without Arsene Wenger at the helm.

    Arsenal host Spurs on Sunday, with Emery’s side currently three points behind their rivals in the Premier League table.

    Wenger’s 22-year reign at Arsenal ended with a derby record of 18 wins, 18 draws and eight losses, with three of those defeats coming against current Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino.

    But Emery insists every derby is different and believes Arsenal’s management overhaul poses a new challenge for both sides.

    “Each match, like this derby, is different. We want to create a new history – it’s a different moment for Tottenham and for us,” Emery told Sky Sports.

    “They are going to play for the first time [against] players with us – the coach and all the staff.

    “We want to start playing one derby like that, with a good experience. But above all, in the 90 minutes, we [want to] show everybody a good performance and energy.

    “I know from living in Spain and France, different matches like this, and I want to feel this match here with our supporters at the Emirates.

    “I know it’s going to have a very big atmosphere for us, and we want to win, first as it’s a derby, but also for the three points because in the table we need to continue in our process.”

    Emery faces Pochettino for the first time in England, having first met in Spain when the duo were watching now Leeds coach Marcelo Bielsa train his Chile side in Valencia.

    Emery’s Valencia took on Pochettino’s Espanyol seven times in four seasons from 2009 to 2012, and the pair remain on good terms following their battles in Spain.

    “We knew each other at Valencia when we were both looking at Chile training with Marcelo Bielsa,” Emery added.

    “I was Valencia [coach], he was finishing his career as a player, and we met for three days looking at this training.

     

     

  • EPL: Why Arsenal must finish in top four – Unai Emery

    Unai Emery has revealed Arsenal’s top priority is the Champions League spot as to finish in the top four of the Premier League season.

    Emery, who will be looking to get back to winning ways when the Gunners travel to Bournemouth on Sunday on the back of a stunning 16-game unbeaten run.

    The Spaniard said: “For two years we lost out on playing in the Champions League. That is the first thing in mind we want to recover.

    “But also now the Premier League is at a big level with big teams and with big demands for us.

    “Our first idea is to recover this position in Europe and to play in the Champions League.”

    TNG reports, that the Gunners are without a win in their last three Premier League games and will be looking to boost their top-four hopes with victory at the Vitality Stadium.

    Emery will be hoping the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have recovered from knocks in time to face the Cherries.

    Speaking on Bournemouth’s threat, Emery said “Now they are just four points behind us and on Sunday we are playing there”.

    “They are a good team with a young coach but he has very big experience. I know Bournemouth, they prepare well with good tactical movement on the pitch”.

    “They have a big intensity with each player. When they play at home we know it is difficult”.

    “We need to prepare well with every player to have a big mentality and intensity for the 90 minutes.”

  • Arsenal were in decline under Wenger, Emery declares

    Arsenal were in decline under Wenger, Emery declares

    Arsenal head coach Unai Emery believes Arsenal were in decline towards the end of Arsene Wenger’s 22-year reign and “had to change things”.

    The Gunners will resume Premier League action following the international break with a trip to Bournemouth on Sunday, looking to extend a 16-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

    Arsenal failed to finish in the top four for the first time under Wenger in his final two campaigns, a situation former Paris Saint-Germain boss Emery believes was down to losing the “defensive structure”.

    In an interview with Spanish media outlet Marca, Arsenal head coach Emery said: “I met once with him, and little else. I respect him a lot, but no matter how much info he gave me, I had to change things.

    “I told the players: ‘We started at kilometre zero’. Even now, four months later, I still say it: ‘We are in the beginning!’.”

    Emery feels Arsenal lost sight of a key aspect during Wenger’s closing seasons.

    “Before Wenger arrived, Arsenal celebrated the 1-0 (win) and was based on defensive solidity. Then with Arsene, joy was turned into attack, with players of good standing, and the perfect combination was ‘The Invincibles’ (when Arsenal won the Premier League undefeated in 2003-2004),” he said.

    “But over time, only technical quality and offensive freedom were taken care of, and the team lost the defensive structure.

    “What I want is to unite both essences and be more competitive. The Arsenal was in decline. We had to stop it and start climbing.”

    Arsenal head to Bournemouth looking to close the gap on north-London rivals Tottenham, who are three points clear in fourth place.

    While Emery’s side have also impressed in their Europa League campaign so far, the Gunners head coach is keeping attention on their key target.

    “The Premier League is our priority, and our objective in terms of the table is to finish in the top four,” Emery told Arsenal official website.

    “The club wants to return to Europe’s top club competition which is the Champions League, and we have two opportunities by which to do that – one is the Premier League, and the other is the Europa League, because obviously you qualify by winning that competition.

    “Both are very difficult, but we want to ensure we perform the best we can on both fronts.

    “At the same time, every competition where there’s a title up for grabs is important and that counts for the two domestic cup competitions as well.”

    Emery also revealed a “third objective” of transmitting a “connection with the fans”, who were so divided under towards the end of Wenger’s tenure.

    “We want it to convey energy, desire about winning and also a sense of solidity,” he said. “Within that we want to see individual footballers growing and developing.

    “We want to create that kind of atmosphere so it’s about both how we finish in the table and also in terms of creating a team both individually and collectively that has motivation.

    “We want Arsenal to convey energy and hunger.”