Francis Coquelin, Arsenal's 20 year-old defensive midfielder is giving serious thought to quitting the club during the January transfer window because of the "annoying" lack of first team football. He is frustrated that despite his season long loan to the French side FC Lorient last season to gain valuable experience, he has not been given enough of a chance so far with Arsenal.
The France Under 21 international has started just two games this year, with a total of five appearances, but he is not satisfied by his use by the London club. His performance at Old Trafford in Arsenal's humiliation at the hands of Manchester United was seen as a shining light among a number of awful performances - particularly defensively, but once player began to return from injury as well as the addition of Mikel Arteta to the side, first team opportunities have become scarce. He said:
"I thought I had a shot to play so I decided to stay at Arsenal. I played a lot at first, even big games, but when players came back from injury I just disappeared."
"It is often said that when you are young you have time but I played a whole season at Lorient and now I'm virtually not playing at all. It's annoying. Given my playing time for sure the idea of a departure this winter is in my head."It is rare when players speak out against Arsene Wenger's decision making; the sides experienced Russian midfielder Andrei Arshavin confirmed as much when he said recently: "Wenger is a very strict manager… nobody at Arsenal even thinks to talk him into changes when it comes to football issues."
So Coquelin's quite public show of irritation of Wenger's decision making may not go down too well. However, it is, if viewed in a more positive light, a clear sign that the youngster is eager to play and confident enough to perform at the highest level. One thing is for sure; the next time he gets a first team place, he must prove he's worth it.
