Ljungberg was previously an interim manager at Arsenal but has never actually managed a senior team for any length of time. He did work in the Gunners' coaching staff for some time, doing so between 2016 and 2017, and then again between 2018 and 2020. Upon his departure, he confirmed his desire to pursue new managerial opportunities, but they have not been forthcoming.
At the time, he said: "I have decided to leave my first-team assistant coaching role at Arsenal to progress my management experience. I have been involved with this club on and off since 1998 and am grateful for all the opportunities they have given me both as a player and as a coach.
"I wish Mikel and all the team every success for the season ahead. Thanks also to the fans for their constant support and for always being by my side. I hope we will all meet again soon."
Edu, who was Arsenal's technical director at the time, also lavished praise on the Swede, adding: "We're really sad to see Freddie leave as we know how much he loves Arsenal. However, we know he has had various opportunities over the last 12 months and stuck to the job at Arsenal. Now he has the opportunity to consider other options, and it makes sense for his career at this time.
"Freddie has made a huge contribution in his coaching role, most importantly when he led the team during that difficult period between Unai's departure and Mikel's appointment. We will forever be grateful for what he did then and what he's done since but fully recognise his desire to move on and be a head coach himself."