Ivan Gazidis believes Arsenal squad will ’embrace’ Unai Emery’s studied approach

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis believes that the squad will ’embrace’ newly appointed head coach Unai Emery’s studied approach to his profession after being unveiled by the north-Londoners on Wednesday, a philosophy which has a proven track record of achieving triumph, gongs and ground-breaking records.

Sitting alongside Emery in the Spaniard’s inaugural press conference, Gazidis outlined the factors behind the Gunners’ fundamental decision to name the former Valencia CF, Sevilla FC and Paris Saint-Germain commander as Arsene Wenger’s successor, a glowing report which will fill every ‘Gooner’ in existence to the brim with a rejuvenated sense of optimism for the future.

Emery has scooped a vast array of silverware over the span of his managerial career, but no conceivable accolade compares to his glittering haul at Sevilla in particular, where he historically shepherded Los Hispalenses to three consecutive Europa League titles during his glowing three year stint at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.

Arsenal evidently bought into the 46-year-old’s vision and determination to transform his new employers back into an English heavyweight and Gazidis, speaking to the media – via City AM – said:

“Our players we believe will respond to the new energy Unai brings,

“I think they will have somebody under whom they can improve their game and if they embrace those challenges then the players we have today can be more successful in the future.

“I don’t think anybody believes that sixth place is a place that a club of the stature of Arsenal should be, so we need to look to improve that.

“Clearly the ambition is to be a candidate to win the biggest trophies in England and Europe, but we’ve got to understand that’s not going to be done in one leap; it’s going to be the result of focus, hard work, discipline, energy, commitment, will to win. That’s what we need to have our players embrace and I believe that they will.”