That is according to Arsenal hero Ian Wright.
After 22 years of Arsene Wenger, Emery replaced the Frenchman in May after two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain.
A frequent criticism of Wenger in his final years at the club was the lack of accountability from the players.
Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, former midfielder Paul Merson said the club needed a “better mentality of player”.
And although Wright disagrees with claims the Arsenal players are too nice, he does feel a change in attitude from the Wenger era is needed but says it will take time.
He told Express Sport: “It is not that they are too nice. It is almost like they are in a state of flux because of the way Arsene Wenger played.
“Training was at a sedate pace, it wasn’t intense and your mind slips into that way of thinking.
“You slip into that mode of playing and Arsenal have been in that mode playing.
“When I got there, we had a different dressing room, it was more motivated. He had more self-motivated players but as time went by, he brought the type of players that fit into that way of thinking and playing – very relaxed, very calm.
“Not too much confrontation, it’s very relaxed, it’s nice.
“Graeme Souness said Arsenal are full of nice son-in-laws. It is going to take a while for that attitude to be eradicated from the club.
“Merson says they are too nice. I don’t think they were too nice the other day. I just think they were in-between Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery.
“It is going to take time for them to get into the vibe of what Emery is trying to do.”
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Chelsea, Emery said he learned a lot about his players from the defeat to City.
He said: “The first game gives us more information about things to improve and also things to continue doing.
“It’s clear that the result was the first [objective] we wanted. But it was Manchester City’s day.
“We need to continue with our work to make the differences in the next match and in the future.
“For me, what was most important was the players know the positive things we did in this game and also the things we need to improve on and work more for.”
Ian Wright was speaking at the launch of the Premier League Interactive Watchface for TAG Heuer Connected Modular owners and the extension of TAG Heuer’s partnership as Official Timekeeper of the Premier League.
The TAG Heuer Premier League watchface is available on Google Play for Connected watch owners to download for free.
