Sagna - Right-back slot was in good hands

By Nick Ames

Bacary Sagna has praised the team-mates who occupied the right-back position in his absence.

The France international broke his leg at Tottenham in October and his natural replacement, Carl Jenkinson, soon joined him on the sidelines with a back problem.

Arsène Wenger has turned to a number of auxiliary full backs over the course of the winter with Johan Djourou, Laurent Koscielny, Francis Coquelin and Nico Yennaris all filling in on the right.

Speaking to the Official Matchday Programme, Sagna said: “They’ve done well, it’s not easy when you have to change position. I don’t see myself playing for two or three months at centre-back for example!

"You have to adapt, and at this level you don’t get a lot of time to do that. The pace is different on the flanks and you have to cover a bit more distance, but the guys have coped well.”

Coquelin has operated in both full-back positions over the past couple of months, while Yennaris caught the eye two weeks ago with a dynamic second-half showing against Manchester United.

“They’re amazing,” said Sagna. “They just play and don’t worry about anything.

"I was happily surprised with Nico’s performance against Bolton back in October - he closed down really well and imposed himself well. He did an equally good job when he came on against Manchester United, and I’m very pleased for him – he’s a hard worker and deserves a lot of credit.

"It’s the same with Francis, he’s a midfield player first of all but he’s given his best at right-back and we know that he’s very good technically too.”

Read the full interview with Bacary in Saturday's Official Matchday Programme. Click here to subscribe.

[Saturday, February 04, 2012]

• Match Schedule
• Listen LIVE!

• 
• 
• 

• Malaysia XI v Arsenal

• Pre-season Friendly, Bukit Jalil Stadium

• Tuesday, July 24, 2012 4:45 PM (ET)

• Watch on: