|
|
Arsenal new boy Laurent Koscielny ready for physical challenge of the Premier League
Defender insists he is ready to play in England...
4 Aug 2010 13:35:00
By Matt Monaghan
New Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny is ready to pump iron to prove he has the steel to survive in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old was drafted in by manager Arsene Wenger this summer to bolster his centre-back options. Despite excelling for Lorient in Ligue 1, the rough and tumble in the English top flight will offer a very different challenge.
Speaking to the Gunners' official website, Koscielny vowed to work on his strength to hit the ground running when the season kicks off on August 14.
He said: "I feel ready.
"I like the physical challenge of the English league. I will gain a little muscle, but I am not afraid of anything; I just want to get stronger."
After losing out of contract trio William Gallas, Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre, the Frenchman is expected to form a partnership with Thomas Vermaelen, and he is eager to work through the language barrier between them as soon as possible.
"Thomas and I help each other a lot on the pitch," he stated.
"The job demands a lot of communication, being in defence. I am trying to make as much effort as possible to speak in English so that the communication is fluent on the pitch, and slowly it will come. It will get better and better."
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The 24-year-old was drafted in by manager Arsene Wenger this summer to bolster his centre-back options. Despite excelling for Lorient in Ligue 1, the rough and tumble in the English top flight will offer a very different challenge.
Speaking to the Gunners' official website, Koscielny vowed to work on his strength to hit the ground running when the season kicks off on August 14.
He said: "I feel ready.
"I like the physical challenge of the English league. I will gain a little muscle, but I am not afraid of anything; I just want to get stronger."
After losing out of contract trio William Gallas, Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre, the Frenchman is expected to form a partnership with Thomas Vermaelen, and he is eager to work through the language barrier between them as soon as possible.
"Thomas and I help each other a lot on the pitch," he stated.
"The job demands a lot of communication, being in defence. I am trying to make as much effort as possible to speak in English so that the communication is fluent on the pitch, and slowly it will come. It will get better and better."
Our 
provides the best breaking news online and our 
football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!
provides the best breaking news online and our football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
