Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has described Unai Emery’s footballing philosophy while defender Shkodran Mustafi claims the players have already adapted to the style.
The Gunners were quite impressive in their 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid, with Lacazette and Aaron Ramsey in particular harrying the opposition defenders.
Frenchman Lacazette was asked about the specific instructions being issued by new boss Emery and he said: “High pressure and positioning. We want to keep the ball.
“This can be good because we can have the ball higher and we can have more chances than last season.”
The Gunners had fewer shots than all their big six rivals barring Manchester United last season.
Mustafi elaborated on the changes under Emery, saying: “Unai has given us a few different ideas tactically. He is a fan of a different kind of football from Arsene.
“It’s difficult to compare because they have their own thinking about how they like to play football and, to be honest, I am happy with both.
“From what I have seen in the last few days, Unai’s a manager that you can be successful with.
“I don’t know how long it’s going to take for other people to get used to the head coach, but for us players, it’s already done.
“From the first day, he told us what his philosophy is, what he wants to play, and I think for us players it is important to get that as quickly as possible.
“I think we’ve adapted really quickly and I like the philosophy that the coach is bringing in.”
Emery has admitted he is open to adding to his squad in the remainder of the transfer window but insists he’s ‘happy’ with the players at his disposal. The Gunners have signed six players since the Spaniard replaced Arsene Wenger at the end of last season. Emery’s side are currently in Singapore for pre-season and he will have a full squad to choose from on Monday when those involved in the knockout rounds of the World Cup return. However, though Emery is pleased with his squad, he’s admitted anything could happen in the next fortnight.
I believe in these players,’ said Emery. ‘Now I am vey happy with the players. On Monday other players come with us after the World Cup. ‘If there is a possibility to sign a player, it isn’t very important now, but while the window is open, we can.’
Arsenal have just over two weeks until they open their Premier League campaign against champions Manchester City at the Emirates. Emery could hand debuts to Bernd Leno, Sokratis and Matteo Guendouzi.
Dimitar Berbatov has also backed Unai Emery to bring success back to Arsenal. Emery is the first new face in the Gunners dugout in 22 years after Arsene Wenger stepped down at the end of last season.
Wenger transformed Arsenal’s style of play which brought significant silverware to the club during his first decade in north London. A subsequent barren spell was ended by three FA Cups in his final five seasons.
Former Tottenham and Manchester United striker Berbatov is confident Emery can return Arsenal back to Europe’s top table and with a tactical approach fans have grown accustomed to under the legendary Frenchman.
“He’s the right man for Arsenal to bring them to more success,” Berbatov told Standard Sport.
“I watched a lot of games when he was in charge of PSG and I liked the way his team was playing the ball around the pitch from the back with the keepers, through the defenders, midfielders and attackers.
“They always controlled the game and the ball was moving on the pitch not in the air and I think what he’s going to do with Arsenal.