Unai Emery criticises Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has taken a subtle swipe at Arsene Wenger for not taking ‘defensive structure’ as priority while Arsenal were in ‘decline’ towards the end of his tenure. 

Wenger stepped down his role as manager after an unprecedented 22-year spell with the Gunners and many believe the frenchman tarnished his reign by staying on for as long as he did in north London. 

The third of Wenger’s three Premier League titles came in 2003/04 and only FA Cup trophies and Community Shields followed until his departure in the summer.

Emery, His successor, has had an impressive start despite opening defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea, leading Arsenal on an 11-match winning running between August and October.

When asked to define his predecessor, Emery told Marca: ‘Before Wenger came, Arsenal celebrated 1-0 and were based on defensive solidity. ‘With Arsene, joy came from attacking, with players of good standing. And the perfect combination was the Invincibles.

‘But over time, only technical quality and offensive freedom were taken care of, losing the defensive structure. 

‘What I want is to unite both essences and be more competitive. Arsenal was in decline. We had to stop it and start climbing.’

Emery disclosed that he met with Wenger on one occasion but he was keen to move on from the past when he was appointed by Arsenal. 

Asked if he spoke with the man he replaced, the Spaniard replied: ‘Not about the team. I met once with him, and little else.

‘I respect him a lot, but no matter how much info he gave me, I had to change things. 

‘I told the players: “We started at kilometer zero”. Even now, four months later, I still say it: “We are in the beginning!”