Arsenal’s pre-season preparation is promising according
to right back Bacary Sagna, who has hailed new team-mate Samir
Nasri and revealed his side will play more tactical football next
term.
Sagna still keeps a bad taste in the mouth following last
season’s lack of silverware, and the Frenchman claims The Gunners
will convert their shiny football into a more ‘mischievous’ one in
the future in order to succeed.
New Gunner Nasri impressed Emirates Stadium’s fans thanks to a
top class performance against Real Madrid, and his fellow
countryman has hailed the 21-year-old for his quick adaptation.
“He integrated very well to the team,” Sagna told L’Equipe. “He
once again played very well on Sunday. He is showing he can settle
to English football.
“His adaptation has been natural. The fact there are a lot of
Frenchmen helped me as well. He is an open minded boy. As a
consequence there is no problem.”
Sagna added: “Everybody was disappointed at finishing third and
of being eliminated of the Champions League like that.
“So we are going to try and achieve a season as good as the last
one, being more mischievous, concentrated on important moments, and
playing less (instinctive football).
“We perhaps didn’t show our qualities at some moments. It proved
tricky for us but it’s part of the game. Arsenal’s game makes this
happen. Sometimes we’ll have to slow the rhythm down.”
The defender was happy with his team’s performances against
Juventus and Real during the Emirates Cup, even if he is aware of
the fact it was only a friendly tournament.
“It’s quite positive. We played well against Juve. Even if the
team was composed of lots of youngsters they showed they have the
level required.
“Today (Sunday) we beat Real Madrid. Those encounters are not
references, but for sure it helps being confident.”