Arsenal U-23’s defender Daniel Ballard has compared Freddie Ljungberg’s management style to one of the modern greats in Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
Ljungberg returned to North London earlier last summer but as the manager of Arsenal’s Under-23 side. The legendary midfielder was known for his combative and hardworking ethics on the pitch during his playing days but his management style and philosophy has been compared to one of the finest managers the world has ever seen.
The 41-year-old former Swiss international has not found it easy in his first season in charge of the Arsenal U-23’s. Heading into his Ljungberg’s first season at the helm, Arsenal were holders of the Premier League 2 title but are currently in 7th place on the table.
But despite this mid-season dip in form, Ljungberg’s side is yet to be beaten in the New Year netting 14 goals and conceding just three at the back. And Northern Ireland defender for the U-23’s Daniel Ballard has spoken highly of his manager.
Ballard went on to explain that Ljungberg tries to implement a similar style of football that blends in with Pep Guardiola’s philosophy. The 19-year-old defender stated that it is high risk but when it pays off, it looks really good,
“He (Ljungberg) looks at the game in such a unique and different way, He often uses Pep Guardiola and the way he plays and tries to implement that with us. Sometimes it looks risky, and it is difficult, but when it pays off the football is really good and we’ve had some really good results under him.”
The Manchester City boss won the Premier League title last season with a record 100 points and gained plenty of plaudits for the brand of attractive football his side played as well.
There has been a massive difference in the playing style of the Arsenal U-23’s and if Ljungberg keeps on getting impressive results he could land a job at a top club someday.
