Arsene Wenger: Arsenal manager says he was not far from Paris attacks

Wenger has revealed that he was close to the events and expressed sadness over the multiple loss of lives in the Paris attacks

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger has revealed he was close to the Friday, November 13 terrorists’ attacks in Paris.

French officials report that over 128 people were killed and more than 90 left in a critical condition following what appeared to be co-ordinated terrorist acts across the French capital.

Also read: EPL clubs to tighten security after Paris attacks

 

Wenger has revealed that he was close to the events and expressed sadness over the multiple loss of lives.

“I was not far from the events. To discover how much your own citizens hate you is a big shock,” the French coach said.

Two of his players, Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud who are France internationals were playing in an international friendly with Spain when the attacks were going on.

 

Four fatalities were reported outside the Stade de France, where Fance were playing an international friendly against Germany.

And the Arsenal manager has revealed he will hold heart-to-heart talks with the Arsenal players to know their state of mind before naming his team for this weekend’s English Premier League clash against West Bromwich Albion.

 

“You could see that on Tuesday night he was not himself,” Wenger said about Koscienly who has been hugely disturbed by the events.

“It affected him deeply and I didn't recognise the player I saw on Friday night on Tuesday night.

Also read: Arsene Wenger thanks England for Paris support

“I will talk with him. It's a big game for us. I have not talked to him yet but I will talk to him to see if he is completely recovered and focused.

“You have to trust the player in these kind of situations. Today in the Premier League you don't get away with it with 80 per cent focus.

“You have to be completely committed. What I will want from him is that he's completely committed and feels ready. If not, I will not play him.”