Sagna reveals tactical change

Gunners looking to build on solid foundations

By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 23rd February 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Sagna reveals tactical change

Sagna: Curbing attacking instincts

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Bacary Sagna has admitted that Arsenal have adopted a more defensive approach this term.

The Gunners are renowned for their free-flowing football and are widely regarded as one of the most entertaining teams in Europe.

However, they have, at times, looked frail at the back, with their eye-catching approach work counting for little as goals were leaked on a consistent basis.

They do not appear to have resolved those issues as yet, with 25 goals conceded in 26 games this term, but Sagna believes a more considered approach will pay dividends for the club in the long run.

"We can't compare this Arsenal team with the one from last year," the French full-back told L'Equipe.

"We lost some players and a few new ones have come in. We are a young team and we have changed our style. We don't rush forward as much anymore.

Duties

"We looked at what was going wrong and the reasons behind why we were conceding a lot of goals.

"We wanted to continue with the pace we displayed last season, but it was not helping us. So we have changed our style of play and we have not lost more games because of that.

"Now my first duty is to defend. Some people would like to see me attack a bit more, but I just adapt to each individual match.

"Above all I am thinking about the team. The most important thing is not to concede goals.

"Personally I would like to attack more and have more fun, but sometimes the game demands I do the opposite."

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