Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has asked for more time from fans as he settles into his new surroundings at the Emirates Stadium.
The 24-year old midfielder, who has already scored three goals in all competitions for his new club, made this known ahead of his return to Swiss champions FC Basel in what would be Arsenal’s final group game of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage.
Speaking about the assessment of his short time at Arsenal, the former FC Basel star said: “Actually, it’s normal when you come to a new club and country [that it takes time].”
“You need to get used to the language, the philosophy of the team, the squad, the coach. But I do feel very happy and comfortable here and I know the potential I have.
“In football you just have to develop yourself.” he further added.
Arsenal boss Wenger speaking recently of his new summer acquisition corroborated Xhaka’s sentiments about adaptation. He said: “He’s more a deep playmaker I think than a box-to-box player. He does not get into the final third of the opposition half a lot.
“He is more a guy who has a fantastic pass to play through the lines. He gets the ball from the defenders and finds the high midfield.
“He needs to adapt to the way we play and the tactical pace of the English game.
“I am confident he will do very well.
“People want you to buy players but when you buy them we only pick 11 and not 22 and they feel sorry for the 11 who do not play. But you want them to compete and convince you that they can get in the team and it becomes obvious they have to play.” the 67-year old Frenchman concluded.
Arsenal have already qualified for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) but will need to better group leaders Paris Saint Germain (PSG)’s result in Basel to finish on top of Group A as far as the UCL is concerned.
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