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Arsene Wenger slates Arsenal star’s technique: This is how he should cope
ARSENE WENGER has defended Granit Xhaka’s tackle on Steven Defour as simply “clumsy” - but heavily criticised his technique.
Wenger: Xhaka needs to control his reactions on the field
Arsenal’s £30million summer signing was handed his second red card of the season on Sunday against Burnley.
While the Gunners prevailed 2-1 winners, Xhaka’s dismissal for a two-footed lunge earned him a four-game ban.
Arsene Wenger did not argue the decision after the match but was clearly angered as he lost his own discipline with the officials.
This week, the Switzerland international was also accused of racial abuse at Heathrow Airport and was questioned by police.
Granit Xhaka has struggled with his discipline during his first season at Arsenal
The Arsenal manager revealed he spoke with him privately yesterday, but Xhaka denied it completely.
Discussing his tackle though, Wenger provided some harsh reality on the player’s ability, indicating he’s better off not going to ground as a means of coping in the future.
“It was not a dangerous tackle, it was a clumsy tackle,” Wenger said.
“My concern is more about his tackling technique.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had a one-on-one chat with Granit Xhaka yesterday
Grabit Xhaka's red card against Burnley will see him miss Arsenal's next four matches
He’s not naturally a great tackler. The way he tackles is not convincing
“He’s not naturally a great tackler. The way he tackles is not convincing.
“I would encourage him not to tackle, to stay on his feet. That’s the best way to deal with it.”
Xhaka is now suspended for Arsenal’s next four games against Southampton, Watford, Chelsea and Hull.
With Santi Cazorla still out long-term, Wenger will have to rotate between Francis Coquelin, Aaron Ramsey and Mohamed Elneny in midfield.
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