Arsenal have sacked manager Unai Emery after a run of one win in nine games across all competitions, with Freddie Ljungberg taking charge as interim head coach.
The club's decision to dismiss the Spaniard, who replaced Arsene Wenger last summer following the Frenchman's 22-year reign in north London, comes just 18 days after the board publicly backed their manager, though a draw with Southampton and defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt over the past week have forced Arsenal's hand.
The search for a new head coach has already begun.
Here is the full statement from Arsenal confirming the departure of Emery and his backroom staff...
Arsenal statement in full
We announce today that the decision has been taken to part company with our head coach Unai Emery and his coaching team.
Speaking on behalf of the Arsenal board and our owners Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Josh Kroenke said: “Our most sincere thanks go to Unai and his colleagues who were unrelenting in their efforts to get the club back to competing at the level we all expect and demand.
"We wish Unai and his team nothing but future success.”
The decision has been taken due to results and performances not being at the level required.
We have asked Freddie Ljungberg to take responsibility for the first team as interim head coach. We have full confidence in Freddie to take us forward.
The search for a new head coach is underway and we will make a further announcement when that process is complete.
