Unai Emery Press Conference: Full details

The Spaniard addressed the media for the first time since the official announcement.

Unai Emery was announced as the new Arsenal head-coach earlier today. The Spaniard will replace Arsene Wenger, who was at the helm of the club for the past 22 years. Emery was previously at Paris Saint Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 in his final season.

Arsenal would be his seventh club as a manager, and he has won 10 major honours in his managerial career.

He addressed the media in his first press conference as Arsenal boss. Ivan Gazidis, Arsenal’s chief executive, introduced him as the head-coach. He explained the selection progress, stating that Arsenal shortlisted and ‘extensively interviewed’ 8 candidates, out of whom Unai Emery was chosen.

Here are the various things he talked about in the press conference.

On Arsene Wenger

Unai Emery thanked Arsene Wenger to begin the presser.

“Thank you Arsene Wenger for your legacy – I learn with him, all the things in football. For all the coaches in the world, he is a reference,” Emery said.

The Arsenal job

He emphasised that Arsenal job is a big challenge. He said, “It is a good challenge. In my career, every year, I grow up with a new challenge. For me, the challenge is a dream that came true.”

Footballing philosophy

Unai Emery is widely known for astute footballing philosophy. In the conference, he talked about his playing style, saying that his idea is to be a protagonist in all the games. “We play against all the teams with this personality,” he added.

Also read: What can Arsenal expect from Unai Emery?

“They (Arsenal) love playing with possession of the ball. They like this personality. I like to be protagonists with the ball. And when you don’t have possession with the ball I want a squad, very very intensive, for the pressing,” Emery explained.

Aim at Arsenal

The Spaniard cleared that he wants to challenge for the Premier League title. “I don’t think anyone thinks sixth place in the Premier League is somewhere Arsenal should be. The ambition is to be back in a position competing to win the biggest trophies in Europe,” he said.

Players

Unai Emery talked about his players, and said that he wants his players to work hard, with objective in mind. “With this talent of player, we can be a candidate to be a challenger for the title,” he added.

Mesut Ozil

He also slashed reports regarding Mesut Ozil not being in his plans. “He’s one of the biggest talents and I want talented players here. I want to spend time with him and the players,” he said.