Ian Wright changes tune on Unai Emery as Arsenal unveil Spaniard

Unai Emery’s biggest job will be changing the mindset of Arsenal’s squad, according to former Gunners striker Ian Wright.

Spaniard Emery was confirmed as the new head coach at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday morning.

The 46-year-old left Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season having won a domestic treble and will replace Arsene Wenger, who was manager for 22 years.

It had looked as if former Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta, currently assistant at Manchester City, was in line to land the role before the board opted for Emery’s proven track record.

Wright, who initially seemed apprehensive over the Spaniard, hopes Emery will prove the man capable of turning Arsenal’s fortunes around.

“Trying to replace Arsene Wenger after 22 years with what he has done is a massive job in itself. It is not something which is going to be done overnight,” Wright said on Sky Sports News.

“I just hope everything has been done in the right way for us to get this manager, not something that all of a sudden we have stumbled upon him and hopefully it works out.

“We need to get our players competing, fit and with a different mindset to what they have had in recent years.

“If he comes in, can coach our players and find a couple of gems...then slowly but surely hopefully we will start getting back to where we want to be.

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“I am quite excited about it because change had to come. It has come now, I just think we should all just get on board and really back him.

“I am just pleased we have got someone credible who can take us to the next step.”

Despite all of the success which he brought to the club, Wenger had cut a decisive figure among the Gunners’ fanbase over the closing years of his tenure.

Arsenal Independent Supporters’ Association chair Lois Langton has called for everyone to now unite behind the new head coach, who emerged as the “obvious choice and fit for the club”.

“The appointment of Unai Emery marks the beginning of a new dawn for Arsenal and the title of head coach is an acknowledgement that we cannot allow ourselves ever again to be in a situation where so much power and control is vested in one individual,” Langton told Press Association Sport.

“The story that started to break on Monday evening that Emery was the front runner seemed to come from nowhere. But, having now had the opportunity to digest the news, he seems an obvious choice and fit for the club – and his appointment is one that should be welcomed positively.

“He has great pedigree, with eight trophies, including three European titles, already to his name, and many supporters are excited at the prospect of the thorough and disciplined approach he seems to bring to teams.”

Langton added: “Above all else, what we now need is for the club as a whole to be united in its support for Emery so that we can get back to focusing on Arsenal Football Club and ensuring its future success. Hopefully, Emery will play a key role in achieving that.

PA