Emery Shields Pepe From Intense Criticisms
Arsenal manager Unai Emery has defended newly signed Nicolas Pepe from excessive criticisms over his performances for the club from several football faithful.
Pepe was signed from French Ligue 1 outfit Lille for a whopping £72 million, making him the most expensive player for the Gunners.
But since joining the Emirates based club, Pepe is yet to make a big statement at his new club despite touted as the player with most dribbles in the new Premier League season.
Following a high profile performance at Lille with 23 goals in 41 appearances last term, it was evident high expectations await him at Arsenal.
However, Emery believes the 24-year-old will soon find his best form for the side and justify his huge price tag.
“I am sure Pepe is an amazing player, I am sure he is going to have a big career here,” he said.
“He needs time. A lot of players when they came here, the first month, the first year is not easy for them.
“He still needs to play, get confidence, know progressively better the other players, our work.
“With adaptation, some need less time and some need more. But every player needs time when they arrive here - young players or players as important as Pepe.
“He needs to play, he needs to train, he needs to be with us, he needs to also understand better English and French with us, with the players.
“I am speaking with him and he is telling me he understands me when I am showing him some moves individually and also speaking about how we want him to play with us.
“But really it is one process and I am sure he is going to be, step by step by playing matches, getting better with his performance.”
