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Arsenal's Unai Emery job offer surprises former player William Gallas

Claudio Ranieri, who would like to manage in England again after leaving Nantes, has backed the ex-PSG head coach to succeed

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Former Arsenal defender William Gallas is unsure of the club's imminent decision to appoint Unai Emery as their new manager

Former Arsenal defender William Gallas is shocked by the club’s impending appointment of new manager Unai Emery.

Arsenal confirmed the appointment of the former Paris Saint-Germain chief as their new head coach on Wednesday morning.

But Gallas feels the club should have appointed a manager who has connections with Arsenal.

Speaking before confirmation of Emery's appointment, he told Sky Sports News: "I'm a little bit surprised Unai Emery will be the manager.

"I expected to see the former legend players like Patrick Vieira or Thierry Henry and personally I didn't understand why they didn't speak to them and offer them that job because they did a lot for that club.

Emery appears to confirm Arsenal job
Emery appears to confirm Arsenal job

Website of former PSG coach publishes message and graphic, which were both then removed...

"So I was a little bit surprised but I'm not a chairman, I'm just a former player and I give my opinion.

"I think in the next year we'll see what Arsenal are going to do because they will be under pressure. If Unai Emery goes to Arsenal he needs results and it won't be easy."

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Unai Emery poses during a photo session in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, western Paris, on January 3, 2018
Image: Emery won the domestic treble with PSG this season

Meanwhile, former Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri, who managed against Emery's PSG this season with Nantes, has backed the Spaniard to succeed Wenger.

"He's a good man, a good coach," the Italian told Sky Sports News. "He managed a lot in Spain and had a very good season with PSG but in Paris you have to win the Champions League - that is the target there.

"Unai is a very strong man, a good manager and I think he could have very good success there.

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Former Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri says Unai Emery can be a success at Arsenal but urges the club to give him time

"I think they need three or four years to stay calm then restart. But football is fantastic; you never know what could happen."

Ranieri is without a club having left Nantes by mutual consent this month after just one season in charge and has admitted he is keen to return to management.

Claudio Ranieri will leave after just one season with Nantes
Image: Claudio Ranieri is out of job after he left Ligue 1 side Nantes this summer

He said: "Why not? I don't know now, but one day I'd like to come back to England.

"I am waiting [for offers]. I have some good situations but I'm waiting to find the right solution."

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