Unai Emery is not a ‘safe appointment’ – Arsenal legend

Joe Williams

Arsenal legend Alan Smith thinks Unai Emery is a coach of “great ability” but doesn’t think it is a “safe appointment” from the club.

The ex-Sevilla manager is reportedly set to be appointed as the new Gunners boss by the end of the week after he emerged as the only one of 10 candidates to be offered the position.

Mikel Arteta was the strong favourite for the role but his lack of experience seems to have derailed his attempt at getting the job, leaving the door open for Emery.

“They’ve gone for the experienced option rather than the left-field,” Smith told Sky Sports.

“Obviously Mikel Arteta might not have wanted it in the end but Ivan Gazidis spoke about wanting to make a bold and brave appointment. I wouldn’t describe Emery as that.

“It’s not a safe appointment. Nothing is safe in this game but you look at his record with Valencia and Sevilla, on limited budgets, and he competed with the big boys in La Liga.

“He is clearly a coach of great ability.”