Arsenal's Swedish Interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 15, 2019. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal Gossip

Report: Ljungberg set to remain at Arsenal alongside Arteta

Dec 18, 2019

Freddie Ljungberg will remain on the coaching staff at Arsenal after they appoint Mikel Arteta as head coach, according to reports.

Arsenal's Swedish Interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg reacts ahead of the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Arsenal at The London Stadium, in east London on December 9, 2019. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) — Arsenal’s Swedish Interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg reacts ahead of the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Arsenal at The London Stadium, in east London on December 9, 2019. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)

As things stand, Arsenal are yet to announce they’re appointing Mikel Arteta as their new long-term head coach, replacing interim boss Freddie Ljungberg. However, all the reports suggest it’s just a matter of time now.

This would bring an end to Ljungberg’s brief spell, managing five games in all competitions.

Reports on social media suggest Ljungberg is set to stay though. Arsenal and Arteta still need to finalise the details of his role, but they aren’t forcing him out.

Things didn’t exactly go as planned for Freddie as head coach, but he still had a couple of successes.

Firstly, he finally got Arsenal their first win in two months, 3-1 against West Ham. Then, he saw them top their Europa League group, albeit with a draw.

The scale of the task was too much for Ljungberg really, taking over after so many winless games without even being able to appoint coaching staff alongside him. All he got for help was academy manager Per Mertesacker with zero coaching experience.

Arsenal need to back Arteta more fully in his permanent appointment. Having Ljungberg join him on the staff is a start.