Unai Emery former assistant explains strange reason on their failure at Arsenal. In a candid reflection, Juan Carlos Carcedo, Unai Emery trusted assistant during their turbulent Arsenal stint, has pinpointed an unexpected cultural factor behind their downfall. The absence of fellow Spaniards in the coaching setup.
What Happened
Carcedo, speaking to Coaches’ Voice, revealed that the duo’s 2018 arrival post-Arsène Wenger era was hampered by isolation. “When we arrived at Arsenal in 2018, it was a difficult time after Arsène Wenger’s departure. The fans were used to that managerial figure,” he said. The “strange” twist? A lack of Spanish-speaking support staff eroded stability.
🗣️ Unai Emery’s former assistant, Juan Carlos Carcedo: “When we arrived at Arsenal in 2018, it was a difficult time after Arsène Wenger’s departure. The fans were used to that managerial figure. Perhaps with a little more time – and more Spaniards on the coaching staff to support… pic.twitter.com/QRJ0qHm1u1
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) December 24, 2025
Why It Matters
This insight underscores the nuances of cross-cultural management in elite football. Language and cultural alignment can amplify or undermine tactical visions, explaining why Emery’s high-pressing innovations faltered amid reported squad unrest. For Arsenal, it highlights the perils of rapid post-Wenger transitions. For Emery, it validates his Villa resurgence, where a Spanish-heavy staff fosters unity. In an era of global hires, Carcedo’s words remind clubs that “fit” extends beyond tactics to everyday dynamics.
🇪🇸🗣️ Unai Emery's former assistant manager Juan Carlos Carcedo: "When we arrived at Arsenal in 2018, it was a difficult time after Arsène Wenger’s departure. The fans were used to that managerial figure."
"Perhaps with a little more time – and more Spaniards on the coaching… pic.twitter.com/CiPOfidNWa
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 24, 2025
Context
Emery’s 18-month Arsenal tenure yielded 43 wins from 78 games but ended in November 2019 sacking after a dismal start (seven losses in 11). Internal frictions—communication barriers, player clashes like with Mesut Özil—compounded Europa League heartbreak. Contrastingly, Emery’s Villarreal (2021 Europa win) and Villa (top-four push) successes feature compatriots like Carcedo until 2023, proving the “Spanish buffer” theory.
What’s Next
As Villa host Man City on Boxing Day 2025, Emery eyes Champions League glory, crediting his bolstered backroom. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, thrive with a Spanish core (e.g., Edu, Arteta himself). Carcedo’s revelation could inspire hybrid staffs league-wide, blending diversity with cultural anchors. For fans, it’s a pitiable “what if”—could more Spaniards have kept Emery’s fire alight at the Emirates?
As featured on GoonerNews.com