The 23-year-old Switzerland global was consigned to the bench for Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain, appearing only for the final 20 minutes of the Champions League fixture at Parc des Princes.
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The Switzerland global was bought for £35 million from Borussia Monchengladbach this summer, and is expected to add some steel to the Gunners’ midfield with his physical presence and tackling ability.
The 53-year-old said he has been offered the job on a permanent basis but that he is in “no great rush” to sort out the finer details of an agreement, instead focusing on the Premier League games in front of him. “Usain Bolt loves football but I think he’s still too quick for Hector”. For me it’s about pairs as well who work together.
Prospective new owners led by Chinese-American financier Chien Lee are keen for Phelan to remain in position after the former Manchester United assistant won August’s manager of the month for guiding the side to seven points from their opening four games, in the wake of a turbulent pre-season that saw the departure of Bruce and a desperate late influx of signings after a summer of transfer inactivity.
“He has a stature, he has the power, he has the strength”. It’s not worrying because they had to rely on him so much, but it’s worrying because their best player is probably not going to be the one who starts most matches. Many players, it took them some time to get into the team.
Record signing Ryan Mason will have to wait for his first start for the club, as will the likes of Markus Henriksen and Will Keane as Phelan names an unchanged lineup for the fifth game in a row.
Wenger did not rule out Xhaka playing alongside Cazorla in a more defensive-minded role, but added that Coquelin’s experience has tipped the scale in his favour after Arsenal made a stuttering start to the campaign. “And that has a little impact sometimes in my decisions”, the Frenchman said.
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“We go into the game again with the desire to win”. But he [Xhaka] is highly focused, Elneny as well. “I’m sure both of them will get in the team”.
