Arsenal legend Tony Adams has hit out at Per Mertesacker after he joined the first team coaching staff rather than focusing on his permanent job as academy manager.
The former Arsenal centre-back has been alongside interim boss Freddie Ljungberg on the touchline after stepping up to the help the Swede following Unai Emery’s sacking.
Despite Ljungberg’s appointment, the Gunners are on their worst winless run since 1977 and have failed to win any of their last nine games in any competition, after being beaten 2-1 by Brighton at the Emirates on Thursday night.
Following the latest disappointing defeat, Adams opted to question Mertesacker's role at the club afterwards.
"Per Mertesacker is the academy director. The club have taken him out of his role. He's got to do recruitment for the future of the club. We've got to produce players,” Adams told Premier League Productions on Thursday night.
"That's what he's got to do, concentrate on that. Go and find the players, go and sort that out.
"You can't take him out. What's the academy doing at the moment?
"How long does this continue, did it (Mertesacker helping Ljungberg) really affect it? I think I've made my point."
Arsenal return to action when they take on London rivals West Ham on Monday night at the London Stadium.
