Robin van Persie has told his Arsenal team-mates not to worry about playing beautiful football all the time and focus on results.
Arsenal striker not worried about playing beautiful football
Robin van Persie has told his Arsenal team-mates not to worry about playing beautiful football all the time and focus on results.
The Gunners have been regarded as one of the most attractive teams to watch in the Premier League for some time but over the past few years that has not translated into trophies, with their last trophy arriving in 2005.
Van Persie still enjoys playing for a side with such an attacking philosophy but says the priority always has to be on picking up points.
"Nobody can play beautiful football all the time," the Dutchman said in
The Sun.
"When that happens I tell our lads 'If it's not happening for you, just try to kill off the game so we can move on'.
"I am still a lover of the beautiful game and always will be but I have become more realistic.
"It is too romantic to think that you can win matches by playing beautiful football alone.
"Barcelona are the exception - and I have to admit they and Arsenal are the only teams that I often watch on TV."
Matter of fact
Van Persie says he has taken this approach to his own game and is now more concerned with how many goals he scores rather than how good they look.
"I have felt more like a centre-forward recently," he said.
"In the beginning I had to get accustomed to the idea, I was not convinced that I could play in this position.
"Since then I have become clear in my mind, and grown into the role. I enjoy scoring more now these days.
"You can see it from my goals - some come about from willpower pure and simple.
"You can see it in my face, 'OK, the ball's got to go in no matter how'.
"I used to think about other options when faced with the goal - looking to find team-mates with a clever pass, going for a hook shot or blasting it.
"I am now far more matter of fact, even though I still enjoy a good assist."
