Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith says Unai Emery is not the bold choice that CEO Ivan Gazidis promised Arsenal fans.
The former Arsenal striker told Sky Sports News he does not believe the Spaniard represents the “bold and brave” appointment that was promised and that it was a decision based on experience.
They’ve gone for the experienced option rather than the left-field. Obviously Mikel Arteta might not have wanted it in the end, but Ivan Gazidis spoke initially about wanting to make a bold and brave appointment.
I wouldn’t describe Emery as that. It’s not a safe one. Nothing is safe in this game but if you look at his track record with Valencia and Sevilla, particularly, on a limited budget competing against the big boys in Spain, he did exceptionally well.
Emery led PSG to a domestic treble but his two-year contract was not extended and Thomas Tuchel succeeded him.
The former Paris Saint-Germain head coach was in London on Monday for talks to follow in Arsene Wenger’s footsteps and it is now believed that the Gunners will appoint the Spaniard.
Despite not being what he thought was promised, Smith praised Emery for his achievements and said that fans should be excited.
He’s clearly a coach of great ability. I know they didn’t want a manager who would bring in a huge backroom staff and want to do things entirely they way.
They’ve got a top manager there is no doubt about that and Arsenal fans should be excited about it.
