Willian 'frustrated' but learning a lot from Arteta

Martin Macdonald

Willian admits he has been left "frustrated" at times with new club Arsenal, but insists he is still learning plenty from new manager Mikel Arteta.

The Brazilian joined from city rivals Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer, and has featured five times in the Premier League this season, notching up 367 minutes.

Although he is yet to score, he has recorded two assists for the Gunners.

Arteta is known for his diligent preparations for games as well as how well-drilled he wants his players to be tactically and positionally.

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Willian admits it has been tough to adapt to the demands of the Spaniard.

"It’s been a cool, new experience. I hadn’t worked with a coach with that mindset," the former Chelsea winger told Globo Esporte.

"The positional game doesn’t mean that you have no freedom on the pitch, you have the freedom to move, but many times you have to respect the position, what the coach asks, the instructions, understanding that it’ll be better for the team.

"It may happen that you don’t touch the ball and get frustrated, but Mikel always says that, wait a minute, the ball will arrive. I’ve been learning a lot."

Willian spent seven years with Chelsea and won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and the Europa League.

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