‘Injured’ Romero out of World Cup
BUENOS AIRES, May 23, (RTRS): Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero will miss the World Cup in Russia after suffering a knee injury, the country’s football federation (AFA) said on Tuesday.
“The Manchester United player today suffered a joint (injury) in his right knee that requires surgery,” the AFA said on their website.
The 31-year-old Romero was expected to be first choice for Argentina but that role could now go to Chelsea keeper Willy Caballero or River Plate’s uncapped Franco Armani, both of whom were included in coach Jorge Sampaoli’s squad on Monday.
The AFA said a decision on a replacement would be taken in the coming days but the most obvious choice is Nahuel Guzman, the fourth goalkeeper on Sampaoli’s long list.
The loss of the experienced Romero is a serious blow to a country that has struggled defensively in recent friendlies, losing 4-2 to Nigeria and 6-1 to Spain.
Sampaoli will expect to have a replacment before Argentina’s farewell friendly against Haiti at Boca Juniors’ ground on May 29. willing to breathe life into a moribund club with new signings.
“It’s a big challenge for me but I have worked also in other projects, big projects,” he told reporters.
“This is a big team, with great players. We think we need change, little things, a few players. “I want to speak individually with all the players face to face. “It’s very important for the club, after two years outside the Champions League, to work to be the best team in the Premier League and also in the world.”
Despite the daunting task facing him, Emery, who was allowed to leave French champions PSG at the end of the season, insisted his move to Arsenal is a great opportunity.
“This is a big project and I am proud to be here and to work after Arsene Wenger,” he said.
“In my career every year I grew up with new challenges. For me this challenge is a dream come true.”
Emery, who won the domestic treble with PSG this season, is on a reported £6 million per year contract after convincing Arsenal’s board he was the right man to replace Wenger. He won the race ahead of seven other candidates thanks in part to his willingness to work with chief executive Ivan Gazidis, head of football relations Raul Sanllehi and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat.
That trio are the new power-brokers at Arsenal and Emery was
In this May 19 file photo, PSG head coach Unai Emery claps during the League One soccer match between Caen and Paris Saint-Germain at the Michel d’Ornano Stadium in Caen, western France. The last time Arsenal unveiled a new manager, social media didn’t exist. On May 23, the north London club announced the appointment of Unai Emery on Twitter. (AP)
quick to praise his employers.
“Thank you Ivan, Raul and Sven. The first meeting with Arsenal people was with those three who, after three hours, gave me a very good feeling for how we will work together and create a new future for Arsenal,” he said.
Speaking in broken English, Emery paid tribute to Wenger, who departed with three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups in a reign that transformed English football.
“Thank you Arsene Wenger for your legacy, he has reverence from all coaches in the world. I learned with him all the things in football,” Emery said.
Wenger won the double in his first full season with Arsenal in 1997-98 -- an achievement that might be beyond Emery given the rebuilding job facing him.
Asked what he hoped to achieve next season, Emery said: “I think that’s about battling for every title, that’s something in Arsenal’s history and in my history as well. And I want that to continue.
“I don’t promise today we will win but I can promise you we will work hard and we will work together.
“We will transmit our emotion and we will fight for the objectives.”
Key to his attempt to revitalise Arsenal will be bringing the best out of Mesut Ozil, the World Cup winning German playmaker who has often cut a diffident figure in his time with the Gunners.
Emery, a three-time Europa League winner with Sevilla, called on Ozil to commit to the cause, saying: “He’s one of the biggest talents here and I want talented players here.
“I want to spend time with him and all of the players - to speak to them about how inspired and excited I am to be here and for them to feel it too.
“We all need to give 100 percent and that’s what I’m looking for from every player and myself.”
Worringly for Arsenal fans, Emery has never won a match against Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola or Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.