Interview

Lokonga - I'm building good relationships

Midfielder Sambi Lokonga made his first appearance at the Emirates in our Mind Series defeat to Chelsea on Sunday, and now he can't wait for the real action to start.

The 21 year old signed from Anderlecht last month, and showed plenty of early promise during an eye-catching second-half performance.

He helped set up a chance for Joe Willock, which seemed to have crossed the line, and generally looked energetic in the midfield, covering plenty of ground. 

After the game Sambi spoke to Arsenal Media, reflecting on his first game in front of the fans. 



Here's a full transcript…

Your first game in front of the fans at Emirates Stadium, how was it for you?

It was really good, a little bit sad because we didn't get the three points. But yeah, my first time at the Emirates, I think it's a good thing for me, a good start. So I hope the future will be better.

Not the result we wanted, but how did you find your own performance, how was the pace of the game for you?

If I have to speak about the team, we had a really good performance but we gave away the ball and then they scored. But yeah for the next time we have to be careful because I think this kind of goal we can avoid. 

The chance you helped set up for Joe Willock looked like it went over the line, did you get a good view?

Yes, I shouted to the referee because for me the ball was inside, but he said to me he was not so sure so he didn't give the goal. 

How have your first few weeks been for you with the rest of the team?

Really good, really good. I think we have a really nice group. Everybody is together, (there's) a good relationship between each other and I think that's good for the team and for the season. 

In training and games like this, are you building good relationships in the midfield?

Yeah, really I already have some good relationships with the other midfielders. The game is different because the pace is higher, the intensity is higher so it's good for me

There's one more friendly before the real action starts, do you feel ready for it?

Yeah, everybody is ready, I am ready, I can't want to start the league.