Emery calls for calm as Arsenal ponder replacements

Arsenal manager Unai Amery has pleaded for patience after Saturday’s defeat to Leicester amid reports Luis Enrique is being lined up to replace him. The pressure was already on the Gunners boss ahead of Saturday’s trip to Leicester and the defeat at the King Power Stadium could well prove to be the final straw for the club’s hierarchy.
Second-half goals from Jamie Vardy and James Maddison condemned Arsenal to a 2-0 defeat at the high-flying Foxes, leaving Emery’s side winless in five games across all competitions.
The Gunners could be nine points adrift of the top four by the time the latest round of fixtures are completed but Emery has urged the club to stick by him during this tough period. “For me, as a coach, it’s about continuing stronger and improving with our players,” he said. “I am speaking with the club to stay calm and to stay patient to improve and recover some confidence with some circumstances.”
Arsenal take on Southampton in their next Premier League game on November 23 and they may well have decided a change in manager is required before they host the Saints.
Former Chelsea and Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was mooted as a potential successor earlier this month and now reports claim the Gunners are considering a move for Enrique.
Enrique has been out of work since leaving his post as Spain manager last year.
The 49-year-old won La Liga twice and the Champions League during his three-year stint in charge of Barcelona, and has previously managed Roma and Celta Vigo.
Reports in Spain claim Arsenal head of football Raul Sanllehi has already been in contact with Enrique and the club are actively on the hunt for a replacement for Emery.