Pep hails City ‘gift’ Foden
ARSENE Wenger says today’s pre-season game against Premier League champions Chelsea is no friendly.
The Frenchman believes the match here will help gauge whether Arsenal will be able to hit the ground running when the new season starts next month.
Wenger accepts the fixture between his FA Cup winners and the Blues in the Bird’s Nest Stadium is likely to see tensions rise, given the history between the sides, who met at Wembley only eight weeks ago.
After leading a gruelling tour to Australia and China, however, in which Arsenal played Bayern Munich in the sweltering conditions of Shanghai and the squad was hit with a sickness bug, Wenger believes it should at least give an indication as to what will be left to fine-tune on their return to London.
Arsenal will play two fixtures in the Emirates Cup next weekend before tackling Chelsea again in the FA Community Shield ahead of the season opener against Leicester City on Friday August 11.
“It is difficult to predict but it is a friendly between Arsenal and Chelsea – that means it is not really a friendly,” said Wenger, below. “There is some pride at stake and a desire to win.
“It was a very interesting game in the FA Cup final, we play them in the Community Shield and then early in the Premier League [on September 17].
“We know each other very well and it is difficult how to know how prepared Chelsea are and how far we are in our preparation.
“It was a good indication against Bayern [Arsenal drew 1-1 before winning 3-2 on penalties] and it will be another test for us on Saturday.”
Theo Walcott is doubtful for today’s game but Wenger said the problem was “nothing major”, while Laurent Koscielny is expected to feature despite a back problem. France defender Koscielny believes the two- the club. He’s a gift for us. He’s special.
“He will stay training with us and maybe in the season stay with us,” said Guardiola. Foden said he has yet to fully appreciate the magnitude of his experience but is already hoping for another chance in City’s next game against Real Madrid. “It hasn’t sunk in, it does not feel real playing against players like Paul Pogba. I’m only 17,” said Foden.
“I’d like to thank Pep for trusting me in a massive game like this, it’s a dream come true. He is such a great manager and I have learned a lot from him. Hopefully I have impressed Pep and hopefully he gives me the start if he believes in me again.”
As a growing teenager he cut a diminutive figure lining up against a United side known for their physical attributes, but Foden was unconcerned about measuring up.
“It does not matter about size if you work hard,” he said.
Midfielder Fabian Delph, surplus to requirements, is closing in on a move to Stoke in a deal worth £10m, while Wilfried Bony is considering a possible return to Swansea.
There is pride at stake and we have a real desire to win
MANCHESTER UNITED chief executive Ed Woodward has travelled to America for crunch talks with Jose Mourinho, who is unhappy about the club’s transfer business.
United have signed Romelu Lukaku and Victor Lindelof but Mourinho, right, has two more targets and is growing impatient.