Press conference

Transcript: Emery's post-Colorado press conference

Unai Emery saw his Arsenal side record a 3-0 win over Colorado Rapids in Denver on Monday night, as we played the first of our pre-season tour fixtures.

After the game our head coach was questioned on a range of topics - and you can read what he said below:

on the match…

It's our first match, we are working very well here in Los Angeles and the first match was good to use different young players, to give them chances to show their quality, commitment to work and to be with the idea to help the team. It was the best for us today. Some moments were for the young players, this was one of those moments. The atmosphere here was perfect, a lot of Arsenal supporters and we had a good day here.

on if Martinelli could make it into his first-team plans…

Our idea is to give every young player chances to be with us, first in the training ground and after playing matches like today. The idea is to give them more chances in other matches. They will win the possibility to be with us with their performances.

on Laurent Koscielny's decision…

He started training with us this pre-season and I spoke with him three times for his situation. We wanted him to come with us on this tour but he decided to stay. Now it is a matter for the club and for the player.

on if Koscielny still has a future…

He has one year left on his contract. For me as a coach he's an important player. Now it's one matter for him and the club. The club and him need to speak, they are speaking about his situation. I cannot say more than that. I spoke with him before he came here and he decided to stay there.

on how disappointed he is with what has happened…

We spoke with a good spirit for both the team and him but this is his decision, only his decision. He's speaking only with the club.

on if he has ever known a player return to the fold after something like this…

Really I cannot say more about that. For me now it's clear we need to keep moving ahead. We're here with the players who have the spirit to create the new way. Laurent Koscielny for me, now, I'm waiting on his decision with the club.

on what he thoughts of Colorado Rapids…

It's a different competition [for them], they're playing now in their league and today for them it was a good match to play against us, to show what they can do in front of their supporters. I'm wishing the best for them in this league.

on if any transfers are close…

The club is working. We are speaking every day with the club and Edu. I prefer to work with patience and calm and take the best decision. We have very good players, very young good players. We need someone to help us. The club is working on that. We prefer to take the best decision with patience. If we need to wait more time for this reason I prefer to do that.

on how he prepares the team given the schedule and the travelling...

We are going to play Wednesday against Bayern Munich, we only have two days for rest. The idea today was to play with the young players and use some players for some minutes. Wednesday we will continue with some players who haven't played yet, like Sokratis, Mkhitaryan, Xhaka and Reiss Nelson. Other players played less minutes. Our preparation here is very important for these matches, Bayern Munich, Fiorentina and Real Madrid. The group is working very well.

on working with Edu and Freddie Ljungberg...

You know better than me they are two Arsenal ex-players! Freddie was working with the Under-23s but when he proposed to us and the club, speaking with him and Steve Bould, we changed the two situations. I am very happy with Freddie. Edu played here and also I was his coach in Valencia for one year. He has experience. He knows Arsenal. He's a very good worker for us in this sporting director job. Raul, Vinai and I were trying to find the best person who can help us with experience and also with knowing this club. It's Edu. For me he's the perfect man to do that.

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