Arsene Wenger has responded to reports that Sead Kolasinac is unhappy at his recent omission from Arsenal’s team for the 3-3 draw against Liverpool by insisting that the decision was due to a change in system.
The Gunners boss has favoured Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the left-back role in the last two Premier League matches, although he gave Kolasinac – a summer arrival from Schalke – a full 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup against West Ham.
Kolasinac, who has provided four assists and scored once in 15 league starts this campaign, was said to be hugely frustrated by Wenger’s decision to unexpectedly leave him out of Arsenal’s starting XI.
But the French tactician played down any concerns that he will be out the team permanently.
‘He is highly suited for a wing-back role, for a more offensive role,’ Wenger said.
‘I think he will play again and I gave him a breather as well. He is working hard and I think he will play in a back four, as well.
‘I will still adapt because we are capable to play in a three as well, because the team has practised now in both systems so we are adaptable.
‘But, for me, we didn’t score enough goals away from home. So that’s why [I switched]. I felt as well that sometimes our game was a bit too lateral.’
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