How pleased are you to have Leandro Trossard?
We are really happy to have him. He’s a player we followed for a while. The opportunity came and we had the necessity for a player in the front line who is versatile enough to play different positions. He knows the league, he has enough experience here and I think he can have an immediate impact on the team.
How important was it to have someone who can hit the ground running?
Very important. We have to think short term but as well medium and long term. He gives us all that. He’s a very intelligent player. When you look at what he’s done in the last few years, he’s a player who fits our way of playing. We are happy to have him.
Did the paperwork get done in time for the weekend?
Yes I think it is, I think he’s good to go.
READ MORE: Arsenal complete Leandro Trossard transfer with £21m Brighton deal
How much was this move about the opportunity to win the league?
We can do what we can do in the windows. In the summer we were looking for a player in that position and we weren’t able to do it. It’s something that the squad needed. With the injuries of Gabi and Reiss we were really short in the front line and we needed some reinforcements. We found in Leo a player who can give us what we want.
How close is Jakob Kiwior?
We cannot talk about players that we haven’t finalised. When that’s the case we can announce it.
Were you cheering on Spurs against City?
No we look at ourselves. I think we have enough ourselves to focus on what we do. We have to win football matches. What the rest do we can’t control.
How have you managed to keep your players motivated every game because Pep says he’s struggling?
It’s something we have to do every single day. Tomorrow I have to lift my players, I have to make sure that my players are up to it and that they still have something in the tummy to go up to try to beat Manchester United.
Do you think Pep saying his side are a million miles off is mind games and are you ready for that?
I continue to say what I said – we go training by training and each day we try to train better than today.
Any fresh injury concerns?
Not that I know of. *knocks on the desk*
Have your squad taken motivation from the loss at Old Trafford?
We have to learn. There were some important lessons in that game and why we lost it when in many moments we had control of the game. But we know that’s one of the qualities of United – when you have control of the game the match can get away from you because they have so much individual talent, they have good organisation and they have many ways to create problems. We have to be at our best to win on Sunday.
Do you expect any momentum to be lost for United after Palace?
Again what happens with the other teams we can’t control. There’s still half of the league to go. There’s lots of twists and turns to go so we have to be consistent play the best possible way that we can and the rest will take care of itself.
United and Arsenal have in previous seasons been competing for Champions League. This year they’re going for the title. Does it add extra spice to the game that they’re back where they were?
I think the history and the clashes and the way those two clubs have competed tells you everything you need to know before the match. It’s a huge game in the league, in the country around the world and we have to be prepared for that. The table says what it says but our main focus is on being prepared for a big match.
What do you make of Ten Hag’s job so far?
Really impressive. He’s turned things around pretty quick. He’s implemented a very clear way of playing. The players have brought into it and there’s a really good way of playing. He’s done that in not much time so credit to him and the coaching staff for what they’re doing.
How do you stop Rashford?
It’s not only him unfortunately. They have lots of threats and with the collective organisation that they have and we will try to do that to prepare to hide the arguments that they have to create problems against us.
How impressed have you been with how Odegaard has taken on the captaincy
It’s been in a really natural way. He has a huge talent, but more desire than talent. He knows that he can still get better and he’s on that pathway. He’s enjoying playing for us and helping the team in a really impactful way. He needs to continue to do that.
How much of a boost is it that there’s no Casemiro?
Something that we can’t control. He didn’t play in our first game either and we didn’t do enough to win that match either. When you look at their squad it’s incredible that they have the collective and individual quality to beat anyone in this league. We will plan the game knowing he’s not available that’s for sure.
Did you talk about Trossard’s character with Albert Stuivenberg?
Yeah we talked about everybody that is connected that we want to recruit because character is something crucial but as well to understand how they are going to be around the club, but as well personal conversations.
Did Albert give you a good reference?
Albert did. Not for now, but for the last few years as well.
You like versatile players and for the past three years it feels like you’ve filled the team with technicians across the pitch. Is that something that was in your mind because of the Arsenal team you played in… where does that come from?
The technical part is a very relevant and important aspect for us. Specificity is another one that really is necessary in our way of playing, but also we need players that can fill certain positions. Leo (Trossard) is one of them (with) the skill, composure that he has in the final third, the technical ability to associate and link with people, it’s impressive and that’s what we need from our front players especially.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal in talks with Spezia to sign Jakub Kiwior as Edu plots second January transfer
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Trossard confirmed, Kiwior £21m signing, Fresneda bid
'Last minute' Moussa Diaby tussle, Declan Rice interest, exits - Arsenal transfer state of play
Arsenal can repeat genius £35m transfer with Real Madrid star amid Carlo Ancelotti discontent
Find the footballs on the football.London website to win cash prize, vouchers and TV worth £3,000
