Granit Xhaka claims Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has only spoken to him ‘two or three times’ since summer switch
New Gunners midfielder confident he can succeed in overwhelming new surroundings as he admits first-day nerves
GRANIT XHAKA claims he’s only spoken to Arsene Wenger ‘two or three times’ since joining Arsenal this summer.
The former Borussia Monchengladbach star was signed by the Gunners for around £30million and has already made three appearances in the league.
Xhaka is expected to play a key role for Arsenal this season, with his arrival forcing Jack Wilshere to join Bournemouth on loan.
And the Switzerland international is confident he can step up to the challenge despite experiencing a whole new world of training and management.
Xhaka admits he was extremely nervous when he first arrived at London Colney, and has revealed new boss Wenger has a rather hands-off approach when it comes to communication with his players.
The 23-year-old told : “I have to admit, in the first few days there was a certain undeniable nervousness.
“You notice already in passing that there’s a world’s class player over there, another example: Ozil, Sanchez and Cazorla are huge personalities.
“In any case, even if the club has perhaps spent more money for me, from them I can learn very much – in every respect. Their work ethic and ambitions are impressive.
“Wenger is not a coach who speaks daily. Wenger talked to me two or three times. He told me he was very impressed with how I train, how I behave in my character as I was disciplined.
“[The first time we met?] Pure excitement! I was really very nervous. He has an incredible way, an insane charisma. You look at him and know: ‘Wow, this man has achieved and experienced so much.’ The respect for him is enormous.
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“One cannot allow any downtime, or face instantly being benched. Each unit, every sprint, every move must be done with full force, dozing is less popular.
“Everything happens at an even higher level than it did in Monchengladbach or at Basel.
“Every Monday we are summoned to jump tests, to check the condition of the muscles. There is nothing to hide.
“Once a week I heard [we have] the discharge of urine sample to the program, the percentage of body fat is checked regularly. The doctors have all the relevant points in mind.”