Arsenal can adapt to Emery's 'Barca style' of play, says Campbell

The former Gunners defender believes the new man in charge at Emirates Stadium has enough quality at his disposal to implement a tactical change

Unai Emery is implementing a Barcelona-esque philosophy at Arsenal, says Sol Campbell, with there enough quality at his disposal to overcome some early teething problems.

The Gunners are already accustomed to favouring a ball-playing approach after 22 years working under the guidance of Arsene Wenger.

They are, however, having to change their ways somewhat, with the new man at the helm in north London looking for his side to work their way out from the back and dictate proceedings.

Some of those in the Arsenal squad, such as veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech, are yet to get to grips with a tweak to the tactical approach, but Campbell believes the benefits will be seen in time.

The former Gunners defender told AFTV: “I think it’s all about a new rhetoric, new system. Players finding out how the manager wants to play and training-wise it’s great.

“But then you have to implement that into a game and that takes time.

“It’s not going to happen [straight away]. If it happens straight away, fantastic, but there are still teething problems and things like that.

“The players have to get used to that, especially the defenders.

“They’re so deep, almost like the Barcelona kind of starting the play. That’s very unusual for Arsenal to start so deep and receive the ball.

“But, they can do it, they’re quality players, but it just takes a little bit of time to get used to for everyone to get into sync, what to do when you’re being put under pressure.

“When you train it’s great and it could be high intensity, but you can’t replace that other than in the game. So it’s only a few games in and it’s going to take time.”

Arsenal have taken six points from four fixtures to open their 2018-19 campaign.

They have looked a little shaky at the back, conceding eight times so far, with positive results ground out at home to West Ham and away at Cardiff.

There is, however, the promise of more to come, with a run of Premier League games after the international break set to see them face Newcastle, Everton, Watford, Fulham and Leicester before welcoming Liverpool to Emirates Stadium on November 3.

Source : Chris Burton of Goal.com