Speaking recently on the Football Writers Podcast, Adrian Clarke discussed Freddie Ljungberg’s exit from Arsenal, as well as Mikel Arteta’s growing power in North London.
It was recently reported that Ljungberg, who spent nine years at Arsenal as a player, as well as time as a youth coach, U23 manager, assistant manager and even caretaker manager at the club, would be leaving Arteta’s side in order to pursue a career as a manager.
Upon his departure, Arteta stated: “Freddie has been a really important member of my team since my arrival. He did a great job picking the team up when Unai [Emery] left and we all have 100% respect for him as a man and a coach I know I’ll be facing him on the touchline in the future.”
However, speaking on the Football Writers Podcast, former Arsenal player Clarke suggested that Ljungberg’s exit could be a further sign of Arteta asserting his power at the North London club.
He said: “He obviously thinks he’s a manager in the making, that’s what he’s been quoted as saying. I wish Freddie the best of luck, he’s a lovely guy and very popular at Arsenal, but I think it’s the right move for him, and for Arteta, actually, who hadn’t sidelined Freddie but he was very much on the periphery.
“Freddie, if I’m being honest, and I assess his caretaker spell in charge – I wasn’t particularly impressed. I didn’t think that he made the right changes, some of his team selections were head-scratchers if I’m being perfectly honest.
“So that audition didn’t go brilliantly, but someone will give Freddie a chance. By all accounts, he is a good coach. He might have to go overseas again to build up his CV, but he goes with everyone’s best wishes from Arsenal, that’s for sure.
“They’ve moved on from him, I guess, and it’s all about Arteta, who’s just strengthening his position within the club on a weekly basis at the moment.”
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From Clarke’s comments, then, it would seem as if he believes that, while Arteta had not exactly “sidelined” Ljungberg, the Swede’s departure from the club could be viewed as yet another factor in the Spaniard asserting his dominance at Arsenal and moulding the club into exactly how he wants it.
It has recently been reported that Arteta is eyeing up Dennis Bergkamp to be Ljungberg’s replacement at the Emirates Stadium, with it being reported that he is looking for someone who would command the instant respect of the current Arsenal squad.
If respect from players is indeed what Arteta is looking for in his next addition to his coaching staff, it wouldn’t appear that Arteta viewed Ljungberg in a very positive light.