The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Gunners have right balance now: Mustafi
Shkodran Mustafi believes Unai Emery has introduced a fine balance between freedom and discipline which has allowed Arsenal to string together a fine run of form.
The Gunners play Sporting Lisbon tonight, knowing they will progress to the knockout rounds if they better the result of Group E rivals Vorskla Poltava.
Emery’s side earned plenty of plaudits following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool, which saw Arsenal extend their unbeaten run to 14 matches.
Mustafi has yet to feature in the Europa League this season but is an ever-present in the Premier League and has been impressed with what Emery has changed.
“For me personally, the biggest thing was that he’s someone who really knows what he wants from each player,” the Germany international said when asked what Emery has added since replacing Arsene Wenger.
“He tells you exactly what he wants you to do, but gives you freedom to express your talent.
“When we don’t have the ball, he tells you where to stand and how to get it back, when we have it, he gives you options you can use.
“You can decide which option you choose.”
Meanwhile, Mateo Kovacic has warned Chelsea against complacency as they look to confirm their place in the knockout stages in Belarus.
Chelsea will be confirmed in first place if they win at BATE Borisov and the other Group L game, between Vidi and PAOK in Budapest, is drawn.
Maurizio Sarri has left Alvaro Morata, David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger and Marcos Alonso at home, but Kovacic used Liverpool’s defeat at Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday to provide a cautionary tale.
The on-loan Real Madrid midfielder said: “In Belgrade the atmosphere is tough.
“It’s difficult to play there, like here.
“These are games where you need to concentrate a lot or you will lose the game.”