Former Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu believes Unai Emery will succeed as Arsenal manager after taking over from Arsene Wenger this summer, but warned that it will be difficult for the Spaniard to match the achievements of the Frenchman at the club.
In May, the former Sevilla and PSG coach was appointed to replace Wenger, who spent almost 22 years at the North London club, winning 3 Premier League titles and 7 FA Cups.
“It’s a big shoe to fill, I’ve always said that. But all the same, it is doable,” the former Ajax and Inter Milan forward told www.busybuddiesng.com in an exclusive interview. “So, it depends on who he is; it depends on the style he is bringing; it depends on the players as well that he is bringing in.
“For me, with his record in Paris Saint Germain, I think he is going o do well if the necessary support is being given to him. He needs to buy more players; he needs to fortify the loopholes and then, why not, we can do better than what we are doing.”
In an attempt to bolster his squad, Emery has added goalkeeper Bernd Leno, defenders Stephan Lichsteiner and Socratis Papastathopoulos, as well as midfielders Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi, to his current team.
Kanu, a member of the Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ of 2004, however urged the fans to be patient with their new manager as he will need time to blend the team.
“I always say to a lot of people even the fans to give him space – they have to be patient with him. He is coming to a new club where Arsene (Wenger) have been for 22 years. So everything is new. He is bringing in new players. So he needs time to jell and play football.
“But if miracle happens, they can win the league in the first year, but it is always difficult to gather new players and put them together, and do things. But all the same, let’s see what is going to happen.”
Arsenal will open their Premier League campaign next season with a home game against champions Manchester City.
The Gunners last won the Premier League in 2004, when the team went the entire 2003/04 season unbeaten.
