Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang believes Arsenal had “stagnated” in the final seasons of Arsene Wenger’s reign but is “excited” for the club’s next chapter under Unai Emery.
The former Paris Saint-Germain manager was unveiled as Arsenal’s new head coach on Wednesday, replacing Wenger following almost 22 years in charge at the north London club.
Alongside head of football relations Raul Sanllehi and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat, Emery has been tasked with rolling Arsenal back up the hill after years of limited success under Wenger.
Aubameyang, who joined Arsenal midway through last season, confesses that Wenger’s departure has left “a mixed feeling” among players but admits that change was required at the Emirates.
“I think it’s a little bit of a mixed feeling in fact,” he told RMC.
“On one hand, it’s strange for all the fans that the coach has left. But it’s definitely a fresh start.
“Since over the last few seasons – you have to tell the truth – the club has stagnated a little bit, I think everyone is actually a little bit excited to see what happens next season.
“It is strange that the coach has left after 22 years. But that’s life – we have to look forward.
“It’s going to be a new start so we’ll have so we’ll have to see how it goes… everyone will have to get it into their heads that we have to work hard to rival the best.”
Of Emery, Aubameyang added: “He’s a really good coach.
“In Paris, it’s never very easy. There’s a huge amount of pressure… I know he did really good work with Sevilla and with PSG too.”