Freddie Ljungberg leaves Arsenal to join Andries Jonker at Wolfsburg

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Tom Doyle27 February 2017

Freddie Ljungberg is leaving his coaching role at Arsenal's academy to join Andries Jonker at Wolfsburg, the Bundesliga club have confirmed.

The Gunners announced on Monday that academy manager Jonker had replaced Valerien Ismael at Wolfsburg, with the German side sacking their former coach as they sit just two point above the relegation playoff zone.

Wolfsburg confirmed another addition from Arsenal later in the day, with former Gunners midfielder and youth coach Ljungberg becoming one of Jonker's assistants along with Uwe Speidel.

Ljungberg was unveiled along with the rest of Jonker's staff via a picture posted on Wolfsburg's official Twitter account.

Jonker said at his first press conference: "I have remained in contact with Wolfsburg over the years, but the enquiry did come as a bit of a surprise.

"There are only a few clubs with the possibilities available to them that VfL have. This is a huge challenge."

Jonker spent two years as assistant manager of Wolfsburg prior to moving to London Colney in July 2014, and told Arsenal’s official website: "I have had a wonderful three years at Arsenal.

"We have made significant progress and it has been great to be part of a club which puts such an emphasis on developing young players through its academy.

"I leave a great team of people who will continue to do a terrific job and I would like to thank everyone, including the board, chief executive Ivan Gazidis and Arsène Wenger for all the support.

"There are some top young players in the Arsenal academy. I look forward to seeing them progress their careers."

Standard Sport understands that Arsenal will step up their search for a new academy manager following Jonker's exit.

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Reports suggest that the Gunners have identified Barcelona coach Pep Segura, who has previously worked at Liverpool, Olympiakos and AEK Athens, as their preferred candidate for the role but are yet to make a formal approach.

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