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Joe Willock says Arsenal’s players “believe in” interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg after he drew his first game in charge at Norwich on Sunday.
Ljungberg has taken the reins on a temporary basis following the sacking of Unai Emery as Arsenal continue to search for a new permanent manager.
Max Allegri and Brendan Rodgers are on the shortlist for the vacant job, but director Josh Kroenke admitted Arsenal are in no rush to appoint a successor, meaning Ljungberg may stay in charge for the immediate future.
That would be no issue for Arsenal’s players, after Willock revealed that Ljungberg had the full backing of the squad.
“To be honest, we know collectively that we need to improve, whoever the manager,” Willock said.
“Freddie is a brilliant manager. We believe in him and we’re working hard to try and improve.”
The 20-year-old midfielder also described Emery as a “very good manager” and says Ljungberg told him to “play with happiness” before Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Carrow Road.
“He said the most important thing was to play with happiness, to get the pride in the badge back and to work to win,” Willock said.
“Every day in training we’re trying to get that competitiveness back. I feel like [our luck] is going to turn in one game, and we can push on from there. It’s coming, hopefully.
“Friday is in the past now. Emery was a very good man, a very good manager.”