Unai Emery Q&A: New Arsenal manager on Arsene Wenger, transfers, Jack Wilshere and more
The Spaniard addressed the media for the first time on Wednesday
Sports Staff Wednesday 23 May 2018
Arsenal unveiled Unai Emery as their newest manager on Wednesday afternoon.
The 46-year-old Spaniard has signed a long-term deal to succeed Arsene Wenger, who left at the end of the Premier League season after 22 years at the club.
Emery brings with him a wealth of European experience having enjoyed success at Valencia and Sevilla in Spain and, most recently, in France with Paris Saint-Germain where he secured back-to-back Ligue 1 titles.
UNAI EMERY’S FIRST DAY AT ARSENAL IN PICTURES
Emery on... his new challenge
Emery on... his new challenge
Is a big challenge but in my career every year is a challenge. For me is a dream come true. Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Emery on... Arsene Wenger
Emery on... Arsene Wenger
Thank you Arsene Wenger for your legacy. For every coach in the world he is a reference and we learn with him. I learn with him all the things in football. Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Here's what the new manager had to say when meeting the English media for the first time:
"Good afternoon everybody. Thank you Kroenke family, we travelled to Atlanta for a meeting with Kroenke family and for me it is a very good meeting, very good conversation with him, with his son. All the connections together for this project.
READ MORE
HOW ARSENAL COULD LINE UP UNDER EMERY NEXT SEASON
"Thank you too to the chairman, the board. We had meeting Monday morning and also I feel they feel with the heart Arsenal and the conversation with the chairman, the board is very important for me. For no better Arsenal club.
"Thank you Ivan, thank you Raul and thank you Sven. The first meeting with Arsenal persons are with the three persons who, after three hours, I think very good feeling for will work together for will grow up, create new present and future Arsenal.
"Thank you Arsene Wenger for your legacy. For all coach in the world is a reference and learn with him. I learn with him all the things in football.
"My English is not very best now. I want make an effort for speak with you to the supporters for explain my idea, explain my ambition, explain know I am very excited by this opportunity, a big club, a great city, a grand stadium and also a great player for this world."
Q: How big a challenge is this?
A: "Is a big challenge but in my career every year is a challenge. For me is a dream come true.
Q: What are your targets?
A: "Now know you. All the conversations with Ivan, with the people that work here is important to know all the information in the club as I want to know how we will grow up this team. I know all the players, I think all the players is very important. All the players is, I think, I want, will be with them this way. But I want to speak, will speak individually with all the players and speak with them face-to-face."
UNAI EMERY'S CAREER IN PICTURES
Success at Valencia
Success at Valencia
In his first season at Valencia, Emery led the team to an impressive sixth place-finish, despite crippling financial problems. Icon Sport via Getty Images
Finishing third
Finishing third
Things got even better in his second season, as Valencia finished third and made a long-awaited return to the Champions League. Getty Images
Q: In terms of your squad, can you tell us whether Jack Wilshere is part of your thinking?
A: "I want today to speak the team globally. I don't want to speak individually of players because all the meetings with Ivan, Raul, Sven, this team is big. We think we need change, a little things. A little players. Today I want to work and want to speak globally for the squad.
Q: How hard an act is Wenger to follow?
A: "It's a big challenge for me but I work also with other projects, big projects and with me, for me, I am proud to be here and to work after Arsene Wenger.
0 Comments