Arsenal: Unai Emery should follow Arsene Wenger’s lead

Unai Emery has said that Arsenal were in decline prior to his arrival and that he had to change things from how Arsene Wenger had conducted them. That may be true, but he should take a lead out of his predecessor’s book and be a little more respectful in public.

For all of Arsene Wenger’s managerial, tactical, technical faults, there was one thing that he was always commended for: his manner, his character, the respect he commanded and provided. As a man, the Arsenal manager was easily supportable.

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And Unai Emery, Wenger’s successor, has been equally impressive, as a character and a coach. He is passionate, positive, a winner, a man of a relentless work ethic, an endearing obsession with winning.

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But he has let himself down with recent comments made to Spanish newspaper, Marca. Speaking this week, Emery was rather critical of where Arsenal were when he first arrived, and the amount of work that he and his coaching team had to do:

"“Arsenal were falling. We had to stop that and start to lift them. These days, it’s very difficult for a coach to last 22 years. The chairs had to be moved in all sectors of the club. Not because of previous negligence, but to motivate everyone again — to shake it up, to sweep things under the carpet, to open the windows, all positive things <…> I ran into him [Arsene Wenger] once and not many more times. I respect him a lot but, no matter how much information he gave me, I had to change things. I told the players: ‘We are starting at ground zero.’ Even now, four months later, I still say we are just at the beginning.”"

What Emery is saying is perfectly true. Arsenal had declined in the latter Wenger years. Emery did need to start again, to known down the old house and rebuild the foundations. There are few that will disagree with anything that Emery has said. But to say it in public is disrespectful to Wenger and all that he has done at the club.

Ironically, Emery actually recognises the work and longevity of Wenger. He says that it is difficult for a manager to last 22 years. I am sure that Emery is not meaning to be dismissive or overly critical of Wenger and his work. But in saying such things publicly, it does come off negatively.

Imagine that you had been a job for more than two decades. And then, when someone replaces you, they publicly criticise all of your hard work, all of your achievements, all of your efforts and commitment. It is not the nicest situation to envisage.

Emery, I am sure, was not purposefully disrespectful of Wenger. He likely did not realise the impact of his comments. Perhaps he should take a leaf out of his predecessor’s book.