Arsenal manager Unai Emery says the club still supports him despite rumours that he only has two games to avoid getting sacked.
The 48-year-old has come under growing pressure of late following a run of six games without a win in all competitions, and it has been suggested he is facing the axe.
Alexandre Lacazette’s last-gasp equaliser earned a 2-2 home draw against struggling Southampton on Saturday, with the Gunners having now won just two of their last 11 Premier League fixtures.
Emery has been criticised by supporters while speculation over his future has seen the likes of Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo linked to the post.
The Spaniard was publicly backed by Arsenal’s hierarchy during the international break as rivals Tottenham replaced Mauricio Pochettino with Jose Mourinho.
The statement, from head of football Raul Sanllehi and managing director Vinai Venkatesham, said they still believed Emery was the right man for the job but that results had to improve.
The draw with Saints did little to quell the groundswell of fans calling for Emery’s head but, ahead of Thursday’s Europa League tie at home to Eintracht Frankfurt, Emery insists the backing of the club remains in place.
“Really the club is supporting me,” he said. “I feel the club, everyone responsible in that area, is backing me. Really I appreciate it a lot. I feel strong with that support and know my responsibility to come back and change that situation.”
Despite having the backing of the club for now, that is sure to change unless there is a quick up-turn in results, starting with a positive outcome from the Frankfurt game.
The powers that be will no doubt have one eye on possible replacements and Wolves chief Nuno is clearly high on their wanted list.