Martin Keown has criticised Unai Emery’s decision to fly his Arsenal team out early for their Europa League final clash with Chelsea.
The Gunners favourite says if Arsene Wenger had suggested doing the same thing during his playing days he would have said to the Frenchman: “What are we doing?”
Emery travelled out to Baku with the Arsenal team on Saturday, two days before Maurizio Sarri and his Chelsea side followed suit on Monday.
Keown has argued that the Gunners players have had their mind on the final for a longer period of time than necessary, which could have an impact on their focus.
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“I’m a little bit uncomfortable with the Arsenal team being out here since Saturday. I never would have been a fan of that,” Keown said on BT Sport.
“I would have said to Arsene Wenger, ‘What are we doing?’ It’s a long time to think about [the final]. I’d prefer to build up by spending that little bit of time with the family, enjoying what’s to come.
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“And then once you get here, you’re really focused. I think there’s a risk taken but I believe what the manager’s done on previous occasions.
“Emery’s won it three times, who am I to question that? But for the players, it feels like a long time to be here.”
