Freddie Ljungberg has left Arsenal to join up with Andries Jonker who was unveiled as the new manager of Bundesliga side Wolfsburg today.
Former academy boss Jonker has signed an 18-month deal with the Wolves in a surprise move that represents a real blow to the Gunners.
Ljungberg has now been unveiled as a member of Jonker’s coaching staff in another departure that will do little to impress Arsenal fans.
The Wolves new coaching team. pic.twitter.com/93Oe5mganG
— VfL Wolfsburg EN (@VfLWolfsburg_EN) February 27, 2017
Jonker becomes Wolfsburg’s third coach of a troubled season with the club struggling at the wrong end of the table, just two points off the relegation play-off spot.
The 54-year-old admitted the move had been something of a whirwind but one he could not afford to turn down.
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“Things happened so quickly,” Jonker told a press conference. “I only had an hour to think about it. But there are only a few clubs with Wolfsburg’s resources and it is a privilege to work here.”
Sporting director Olaf Rebbe also insisted that Jonker was always the club’s first choice following the sacking of Valerien Ismael
“Andries Jonker knows VfL Wolfsburg well and maintained regular contact with the club,” he said. “Both factors were vital in us achieving this top solution so quickly. “He is an internationally experienced coach and an expert tactician, who provides the best possible requirements to get VfL back on track quickly and sustainably.”
Losing both men is bad news particularly with the future of Arsene Wenger still uncertain as well as the uncertainty surrounding key men Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.
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