Freddie Ljungberg has been placed in charge of Arsenal on an interim basis following the sacking of Unai Emery as manager. The Swedish midfielder won two Premier League titles under Arsene Wenger in his peak years; however, Ljungberg is remembered by the Celtic faithful as an example of what can happen if you sign a player on their former merits.
Ljungberg was announced as a Celtic player days before Celtic’s trip to Ibrox on what would later be known as ‘Samaras Sunday’. The 75-cap Sweden player trained and earned a move to Paradise following his return from the United States. His arrival was greeted with excitement, especially given the Swede’s decision to take his compatriot Henrik Larsson’s famous Number 7 shirt. However, his stint at Celtic lasted just six months resulting in just eight appearances for Neil Lennon’s side.
Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers has flirted with the idea of being appointed Arsenal boss after reporters asked the question at his pre-match press conference, as reported in the Leicester Mercury. Rodgers, who’s Leicester side sit in 2nd place, one ahead of English Champions, Manchester City has suggested that it is ‘natural’ for his name to be in the mix given the form of his team.
“It’s natural that there are links. If you are doing okay people want to take you away from something you enjoy. If you’re not, it doesn’t matter.
“There’s always a number of names. We’re at the beginning of something here.
“My relationship with the people here and the players is very strong. We think we are starting something exciting.
So Freddie Ljungberg said to me “listen, I just want to know if you still want me?”
I said: ‘as long as I’m here, you’re here!’ pic.twitter.com/V4DSJpO6c5
— Joliet Jake (@Jolietjake67) November 29, 2019
“Arsenal is a fantastic club. One of the greats in this country.
“If the people at Arsenal have moved Unai on, I’m sure they have an idea of who they want to bring in.
“There’s disappointment whenever a coach loses his job. Unai has proved himself over a number of years. I have sympathy for him.”
Leicester fans might dismiss the speculation due to the fact Rodgers has only been at the King Power Stadium for less than a year; however, given that Rodgers is a product of the Premier League’s cutthroat approach to management, nothing can be taken for granted.
Last week, it was suggested that Tottenham moved for Rodgers prior to appointing Jose Mourinho but the Foxes rebuffed this approach. Today, the Telegraph are reporting that it will cost £14 million in compensation for Arsenal to prise the Irishman away from Leicester. It would be unlikely that Rodgers, a cool yet calculated character, would pass up a chance at Spurs yet consider Arsenal, who appear to have a number of problems.
The Irishman won seven trophies in nearly three years at the Scottish Champions; however, the swift exit to Leicester soured his legacy with the Celtic support.
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