Ljungberg’s knowledge will be vital for Arteta

Not going: Freddie Ljungberg will be part of backroom staff

FREDDIE Ljungberg will remain a part of the backroom staff at Arsenal following Mikel Arteta’s appointment as head coach.

The 42-year-old Swede had taken charge of the Gunners on an interim basis following the sacking of Unai Emery last month but appeared to be in limbo as the club named Arteta as their new boss on Friday.

Arteta, who rejoins the club where he ended his playing career, has no managerial experience and his first game at the helm will come in the Boxing Day clash away to Bournemouth.

He has yet to confirm his full coaching team but, with former

Manchester United assistant Steve Round on board, Arteta revealed Ljungberg will also take up a position after the pair discussed a potential role over the weekend.

“I spoke to Freddie after the (Everton) game,” he said. “I told him my idea and the people I wanted to bring to form my coaching staff, their roles and responsibilities of each of them.

“I wanted to know what he was feeling, I wanted to know what he had in mind, what his expectations were. We talked and we made a decision that the best thing was for him to stay with us.

“I think he knows the players, he knows the situation, he knows the history of where we’re coming from and his knowledge is going to really help us to be better.”

Round, who was a coach at Everton during Arteta’s playing days at Goodison Park, was in the stands as Arsenal drew 0-0 with the Toffees as Ljungberg oversaw the fixture.

“Mikel called me in the week and asked me if I would join his staff and I jumped at the chance straight away,” Round said.

“I think he’s going to be a really, really top manager. It’s a bold decision because he’s young and it’s his first time, but, having spoken to hi,m he sounds to me like a really experienced guy already.

“I had the privilege of coaching him as a player at Everton and he was an outstanding professional, and it’s great to be back.”

Eddie Howe says Bournemouth “need to find that attacking spark” when they host the Gunners.

The Cherries did not muster a shot on target during Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Burnley as they slumped to a sixth loss in seven Premier League games.

“Arsenal will be a really tough game, but it’s always about us when we play here (at the Vitality Stadium),” Howe said.

“Every game is difficult at this level. It doesn’t matter if they have a new manager or not, our time is best spent on bettering ourselves after Saturday’s game.

“We need to find that attacking spark on Boxing Day.

“I didn’t enjoy watching the Burnley game back to be honest.

“We have to remember we have to entertain and get the supporters on their feet.”