Source: Daily_Mail
Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny won't be cannon fodder in Premier League
Heads up: Laurent Koscielny shows his aerial superiority in pre-season [LNB]Arsenal new boy Laurent Koscielny says he won't take long to adapt to the Premier League because he loves the physical side of the game. [LNB]Arsene Wenger's latest acquisition believes his strength in the air and his reading of the game means he can adapt to Arsenal's footballing philosophy but also add a sliver of steel to the Gunners backline. [LNB]The French defender has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence, joining Arsenal just 12 months after leaving Ligue 2 side Tours for Lorient, but he says he is ready to test himself in the cut-and-thrust of the Premier League.[LNB]'I like physical challenges and I'm a player that can anticipate situations,' said Koscielny.[LNB]'I feel that I read the game well and one of my strengths is challenging for the ball in the air.[LNB]'However, being at Arsenal, I know that I will have to work harder on all of those points to reach a higher level.'[LNB]The defender, along with fellow new signing Marouane Chamakh, is likely to make his first appearance at Emirates Stadium in the Emirates Cup. [LNB]It runs over the weekend of Saturday July 31 and Sunday August 1 and Koscielny is eagerly anticipating his first match in front of the Arsenal faithful.[LNB]'I just hope I will be able to play and give my all to win both our matches in the Emirates Cup," he said. "I'm excited about seeing the supporters and stadium for the first time and I am very motivated and confident for the Emirates Cup.[LNB]'We play against two very big clubs in AC Milan and Celtic, and I can't wait to wear the Arsenal shirt at Emirates Stadium.' Fabregas will stay at Arsenal, fears Iniesta (but he'll be at Barca in a year)Vermaelen impressed with Arsenal new boy Koscielny as pair link upYou're scared! Man City boss Mancini taunts his Premier League rivalsARSENAL FC
