Kroenke family plan "cross-pollination" between Arsenal and LA Rams
Saturday 2 February 2019 12:15, UK
Arsenal's bosses want Unai Emery to take the club to the Champions League final to emulate the success of their NFL franchise, and Super Bowl contenders, the LA Rams.
Josh Kroenke, club director and son of owner Stan Kroenke, has revealed plans for a "cross-pollination" between their two major sports ventures.
It will see Emery work with Sean McVay, who at 33 will become the youngest head coach in NFL history to lead a team into the United States' showpiece sporting event when he takes charge of the Rams on Sunday night.
The Kroenke family, who took sole control of Arsenal last year, believe Emery can be a "great teacher" for McVay, and that both can gain a lot from sharing philosophies.
"I think he and Sean are very comparable in the way they approach their craft on a daily basis," Josh Kroenke told The Telegraph.
"There is a lot of data they break down. They are very active on the practice pitch. Their styles are similar even though they are half a world apart.
"Unai's energy is contagious and his dedication is immense. They love what they do and they are leaders. The players want to run through a wall for them."
It is 17 years since the Rams last reached the Super Bowl, NFL's pinnacle, but the Kroenke family will find time to tune in for Arsenal's game against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
"To see where Sean has taken us in a short amount of time gives us a lot of confidence," says Josh Kroenke. "The only thing on a par with the Super Bowl is Arsenal making the Champions League final.
"It is something we are very focused on.
"I have been telling my friends all week the Super Bowl is the biggest spectacle that we have here and the Champions League is something in Europe that we strive for and we look forward to being a part of in the future."
