Granit Xhaka available again: "His comeback is going to be important for us," says Emery; follow Arsenal vs Eintracht Frankfurt with our live blog on the Sky Sports website and app
Wednesday 27 November 2019 19:05, UK
Arsenal boss Unai Emery has urged supporters to connect with him and the team to bring a fear factor back to the Emirates.
Emery acknowledged "doubts" about him are growing after his side were booed off at the end of the 2-2 home draw against Southampton on Saturday - their fifth match without a Premier League victory.
The Spaniard was due to deliver a masterclass on football coaching at a University this week but had it cancelled after negative comments were posted about him on social media.
Emery said his future is "today and tomorrow" ahead of Thursday's Europa League visit of Eintracht Frankfurt.
"My only focus is to show a good performance and connect with our supporters," he said. "Teams are coming here fearless of us, this is the first thing we need to change.
Teams are coming here fearless of us, this is the first thing we need to change
"First we need to connect with them and show them. My wish is the supporters help the team because we need them. I want to connect with them."
A string of names have been reportedly considered by the Gunners, including Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo and ex-Gunners midfielder Mikel Arteta - currently Pep Guardiola's Manchester City assistant.
A number of ex-players including Paul Merson have urged them to hire ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Emery also admitted some of his players are "not feeling 100 per cent confident" ahead of the Europa League clash, from which victory will secure a place in the knockout stages.
Granit Xhaka could make a return to the squad for the first time since being stripped of the captaincy and booed off against Crystal Palace last month, despite Emery previously suggesting he might never play for the club again.
"He's in the group and has the possibility to play tomorrow," Emery said. "I hope every supporter supports the team. Xhaka's comeback is going to be important for us."
Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has insisted the players are united in their bid to stop sliding results.
But the 27-year-old, whose own future was uncertain in the summer and has just 18 months remaining on his contract, admits he could consider other opportunities.
"If there's something that suits me and I want to make the next step, I'm open to thinking about it," he said. "At the moment I'm in a situation where we have to put our own interest in the background. Now it's about the team.
"I'm not thinking about my personal future. This is not only me, everyone in the dressing room. A lot of people talk and give opinions, but everyone in the dressing room is fully focused on giving everything to get out of this.
"If the coach is under pressure the players are under pressure. We stick together, fight for each other. The boys in the dressing room, the coaching staff, we are all in the same boat."
