Arsenal director Josh Kroenke addressed the first team at London Colney on Saturday, as they prepared for the first game of the post-Unai Emery era.
Emery’s 18-month reign at the Emirates was brought to an end on Friday morning, when the Spaniard was sacked.
Freddie Ljungberg has been named interim head coach, and will take charge of the side for the first time when they meet Norwich in the Premier League on Sunday.
Kroenke and Arsenal chiefs made the decision to dispense with Emery in a bid to save the club’s season, after their worst run of results in 27 years.
And the American, son of owner Stan, told stars that he wants them to get back to enjoying their football, after a difficult start to the 2019-20 campaign.
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“My message to Freddie and the players was let’s get back to basics and most importantly let’s get back to having some fun,” Kroenke told Arsenal’s official website.
“I think footballers are at their best when I see smiles on their faces and going out there and winning matches.
“That’s a winning formula to me.”
Ljungberg, who returned to the club as Under-23 manager in 2018, will lead the side out at Carrow Road on Sunday when the Gunners face Norwich.
The Swede stepped up to be one of Emery’s assistant managers during the summer, and is well liked by the players at London Colney.
On the subject of Ljungberg now being interim head coach, as club chiefs search for the club’s next permanent manager, Kroenke added: “First and foremost Freddie has Arsenal DNA.
“Obviously he was a player here for a number of years, the supporters know him very well and he’s worked diligently behind the scenes for the past several years, including the last year and a half or so with Arsenal again.
“So it’s been great to have him around, he knows the club’s DNA and we feel he is the right person in the moment to take the club forward.”
