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Freddie Ljungberg to remain pa...

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Freddie Ljungberg to remain part of Arteta's coaching team at Arsenal


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Arsenal head-coach Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Freddie Ljungberg will remain part of his new-look coaching team.

Ljundberg took caretaker charge of the Gunners when the club sacked Unai Emery and oversaw Saturday's goalless draw at Everton as Arteta watched from the stands at Goodison Park.

"I spoke to Freddie after the game," the Spaniard said of his meeting with the former Sweden midfielder.

"I told him my idea and the people I wanted to bring to form my coaching staff, their roles and responsibilities of each of them.

"I wanted to know what he was feeling, I wanted to know what he had in mind, what his expectations were. We talked and we made a decision that the best thing was for him to stay with us. I think he can be very available.

"I think he knows the players, he knows the situation, he knows the history of where we're coming from and also his knowledge of the game is going to really help us to be better.

"I knew him a little bit obviously, and we will start a new chapter now with new ideas, new ways of doing things. I got a really good impression. He's ready to help. He was very positive."

Arteta has also left the door open for playmaker Mesut Ozil to work his way back into the first-team at the Emirates.

Ljundberg had criticised the German's attitude after the Everton game:

"For me, I got asked after the game about Mesut. He walked off, took his things (gloves) and kicked them and the fans were not happy and I was asked about it.

"I said 'For me, at Arsenal, that's not how we behave, that’s not what we do'  and I stand by that.

"Mesut was injured but I would not have picked him for the squad because I want to make a stance that, that's not what I accept from an Arsenal football player."

But Arteta says he's coming into the job with a clean slate policy.

I don't know, it's a question for him. I just wanted him to make the decision on the day to pick the best possible lineup to win against Everton. My job started straight after the game, so I had to pick the players up first of all mentally and then put them in the work frame that I want. With me, they have a clean slate.

"I told them that. You're not going to be judged on things you've done in the past, whether they are negative or positive.

"This is evolving every day and I'm expecting you to perform and be in the right mindset every single day for me. If you do that, you'll have a chance to play. If you don't, you won't.


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