Arsene Wenger was questioned about Chelsea striker Diego Costa ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game at Emirates Stadium.
This is what the Arsenal manager had to say:
on whether Costa is getting a hold on Arsenal…
No. Costa is similar to Drogba because he’s a top-quality player. I cannot put to Costa the fact that we got caught last year. It’s the tandem more – Fabregas, Costa who was very dangerous for us. Fabregas found him quickly with his runs. The first incident we were a bit guilty to react, the second we were caught tactically. Mertesacker after had only the opportunity to try to tackle. He got rightly sent off. But Costa is a quality player.
on whether Costa was on his radar…
I never thought he would leave Atletico Madrid at the time. I was surprised. Of course, I like him as a player. I like the qualities of the player. All the rest around is not needed. He’s a very strong player. He looks since the start of the season to have cleaned up his act, that he behaves more focused on the game. And that makes him more dangerous.
on whether he would have made a harder play for Costa…
Yes. I like him as a quality striker.
on whether Costa would lose something if he wasn’t like he is…
No, I don’t think so. You want the full commitment of every single player. But commitment is different from this kind of overreaction.
on whether he worries defenders when he has that fire...
Yes, certainly. He is a fighter and you respect that. The rest is down to the referees to [make sure] the game and the rules are respected.
on whether Chelsea physically dominated his side…
They physically were strong, yes. They were stronger than us. They has Essien, Lampard, Robben, Drogba. Top, top players. Terry, Ashley Cole who joined them. A young Petr Cech.
on whether Costa is his preferred type of character…
I don’t know his character. It’s difficult for me to comment on his character because I don't know him at all. He’s a good football player. That’s what you want. I don’t know him well. But I just say that he is a quality player.
on whether he would like Arsenal to have that streak…
Look, I want my players to play with his character and their personality. You are only good if you play as who you are.
More polls and quizzes soon
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