Xhaka grateful to Emery for resurgence
LONDON: Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka believes Unai Emery has helped iron out the flaws in his game by improving his tactical awareness in the opening months of the campaign.
Xhaka was criticised towards the end of Arsene Wenger’s period in charge of the club as he often lost midfield runners at important moments of games.
However, Xhaka has started every Premier League fixture this season and he has been central to a renaissance in form that has seen Arsenal win nine games in a row in all competitions.
Xhaka said he feels he is discovering his best form under Emery.
“We needed some time to get to know the character and philosophy of the new manager.
“It is going well and I am improving.
“On a tactical level, the manager has really helped me. But we can still improve.” LONDON: Manchester City have rubbished claims they made a failed bid to sign Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.
Messi has been linked with City several times since former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola was appointed manager of the Premier League club in 2016.
City chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak was quoted in Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo as saying he once made a lucrative offer for Messi, which would reportedly have paid him more than £1 million (RM5.5 million) per week.
“We asked Guardiola to talk to him, we offered him triple the salary he has at Barcelona, but he never accepted,” Mubarak was quoted as saying.
But City responded by insisting there was no truth to the report.
“We deny the veracity of these quotes,” a City spokesman said.
Argentina forward Messi played under Guardiola for four seasons at Barca, during which time they won 14 titles.
The 31-year-old signed a new contract with Barca in November 2017.
Guardiola won the Premier League and League Cup with City last season.