Nacho Monreal Reveals What’s Behind Defensive Improvement

Nacho Monreal speaks on defensive improvement…

Nacho Monreal revealed that focus on our defensive shape is the reason behind the huge improvement since our 4-0 thrashing at Anfield in August.

Monreal was part of the team that capitulated in a humbling defeat and the Spaniard claims a lot of work has gone into our positioning out of possession, something which was clearly missing against Jurgen Klopp’s men.

We’re yet to concede a league goal since disastrous afternoon, with Arsene Wenger’s team selection also playing a part as he’s now playing defenders in their correct positions.

For Monreal, however, concentrating on keeping clean sheets in order for the attacking department to do its job has been the catalyst behind our upturn in form.

“After Liverpool, we talked because we can’t play as we did that day, we lost 4-0 and the image of the team was really poor,” the full-back told BT Sport.

“And I think from there the team reacted, we are playing more compact, we defend with all players, we have clean sheets and that’s very important for us because we know we have top players up front and they’re going to score goals.

“So if the defenders can help the team with a clean sheet. It’s much better.”

Monreal has been arguably our player of the season so far and since being moved to his correct role, the former Malaga man has shone.

His stout defensive nous coupled with his sure technique in the left centre-back role is imperative to our balance.

Hopefully, he can carry this form on for the remainder of the campaign.

source: BT Sport