Speaking to Canal +, Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny discussed a number of subjects including the national team, Thierry Henry and his personal improvements.
On his own performances…
“I am trying to contain myself more. I have received red cards and caused penalties previously. After that, I am a defender and so I am obliged to go and make contact. I am trying to be a little less nervous. The most important thing is that the team doesn’t suffer. People judge me on what I do on the pitch. It is up to me to have good performances. I might have disappointed on some occasions, but I have also had some very good games. One must not let the head drop.”
On the national team…
“It is very important. From the team’s point of view. We must not be too individual about it. Naturally, every player wants to play.”
On Thierry Henry….
“At Arsenal, he is God. With Arsène Wenger, he made the club grow. He deserves that statue. It is possible (for him to succeed Wenger) but at the moment Titi needs to learn still. He will surely do that with the youngsters.”
On Monaco…
“We didn’t lack respect for anyone. Monaco had a great first leg, but as the boss said they had only a few chances. We knew they were good defensively, that they would hit us on the counter with explosive players like Martial. Perhaps we should have scored earlier (in the 2nd leg). Monaco deserved to qualify. We always want to go as far as we can in the Champions League. Often we end up against very big teams. This year it is our fault.”
On Arsène Wenger…
“His love for football is the same, I think he is used to being criticised now. He gives us everything we need to succeed.”
On Olivier Giroud…
“He is scoring an enormous amount of goals. He is in good form. People came down hard on him in that first leg against Monaco, but every player can have bad games. He is proving himself consistently now.”
