Ljungberg Named Emery

By Max Wise

Arsenal have updated their coaching staff with the appointment of Freddie Ljungberg as the club’s first team assistant coach to manager Unai Emery.

Ljungberg replaces Steve Bould, who will move to the Arsenal academy, in the role as he steps up from managing the club’s u-23 side.

Ljungberg played for Arsenal for nine seasons, and was part of the famous ‘Invincibles’ side that went the entire 2003/2004 Premier League season unbeaten.

The 42-year-old former Sweden international played 214 times for Arsenal and won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups in North London.

Ljungberg told the Arsenal website: "I'm really excited by this opportunity to continue helping develop and work with some of the great young players we have coming through in the first-team environment and to work alongside Unai and his coaching team to help Arsenal win trophies."

"I'm looking forward to working in this new structure and to pass on my experience and knowledge about what is needed to succeed at this level," the 2002 Premier League footballer of the year added.

Ljungberg’s new role will come into effect from July 1 as the Gunners make plans for pre-season, looking to improve upon last season’s fifth place finish.

Steve Bould meanwhile, will be working alongside former Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker in the academy, where he previously managed for 11 years before becoming Arsene Wenger’s assistant in 2012.

"I have always had a deep commitment to developing young players and am delighted to be back working in an area which is so important to the future of our club," Bould said.

"We have great young players and my job will be to help them maximise their potential."