Arsenal and Freddie Ljungberg: Now let’s see it

Freddie Ljungberg has been appointed as a first-team coach at Arsenal with a commitment made to developing youth. Now let’s see it in action.

This week, Arsenal confirmed the major coaching shuffle that has been rumoured at for many weeks. Freddie Ljungberg, who had been the manager of the under 23s, is being promoted into the first-team coaching staff, Steve Bould will be the new manager of the under 23s, and a ‘transition team’ is being comprised to aid the development of young players.

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The most important personnel move is that of Ljungberg. The former Invincible was well regarded for his work with the under 23s last season and is seen as a key figure moving forward as Unai Emery looks to make the most of the young talent that he inherited.

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Along with the announcement of the coaching change, head of football and behind the scenes puppet master, Raul Sanllehi, said in a statement:

"“Identifying, recruiting and developing young players is a key part of our strategy. We have some great talent coming through our younger age groups and, like all top clubs, the challenge is to help them make the most of their abilities. The hardest part is always the transition from academy football to senior football. We already have good programmes in place but these staff changes will ensure our plans are even more robust and clear for every single player. I’m confident it will make a significant difference to our ability to bring players through to the first team.”"

It is clear that Arsenal are keen to better transition their young talent from the academy and into the first team.

This is all well and good. The statement is a positive and surprisingly frank and transparent one. The coaching changes seem to back up what is said in the statement and provide an element of excitement for what is to come. But as we have seen with Arsenal many times in the past, stating their goals and achieving them are two very different propositions.

Yes, ostensibly, Emery, Sanllehi and the club are committing to the young talent, using it in a productive and progressive manner. But I am still not sure I quite believe what they say until I see it in action, on the pitch, before my very eyes. Maybe it is the cynic in me, but I am hesitant to give them the benefit of the doubt on this one.

Certainly, there are plenty of players who deserve shots at first-team football. Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, Joe Willock, the plethora of centre-backs. There is a lot of young talent in the squad that, if used and developed properly, could be invaluable. But I have seen little thus far to lay down all my doubts at the door and fully believe in Emery and his coaching staff.

This is most definitely a positive step and Ljungberg’s inclusion in the first-team coaching staff is better than not having him there whatsoever, of course, but I am still a little reserved to completely swallow everything that is being said. They have said it. They have begun to commit it. Now let’s see it.