Arsene Wenger: Laurent Koscielny 'deeply affected' by Paris attacks, says Arsenal manager

The Arsenal manager could see that the defender was 'not himself' against England on Tuesday

Laurent Koscielny, left, was visibly moved by the rendition of 'La Marseillaise' before Tuesday's match against England (Getty Images)

At some point the football will reassert itself at the forefront of the Premier League’s collective mind. As Arsène Wenger reflected yesterday on the unfolding horrors in Paris, where he observed events on Friday from a hotel in the city, it is clear neither he nor the players directly involved are quite there yet.

Wenger said he would monitor the state of mind of Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny, who played in the match against Germany at the Stade de France targeted by suicide bombers, ahead of tomorrow’s fixture at West Bromwich Albion. Koscielny in particular, Wenger claimed, was not the player against England at Wembley who marshalled the France defence with such authority four days previously.

“He had a fantastic game against Germany. You could see that on Tuesday night he was not himself,” Wenger said. “It affected him deeply and I didn’t recognise the player I saw on Friday night on Tuesday night. I will talk with him. What I will want from him is that he’s completely committed and feels ready. If not, I will not play him.

They have gone through that game but I will talk to them to see how much they are up for it.

&#13; <p>Arsene Wenger on his considerations before selecting Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud</p>&#13;

“You have to trust the player in these kinds of situations. Sometimes it hits you more two or three days later than on the night. On the night you try and protect yourself or not know what’s going on. But slowly you realise the shock is always a bit after. They have gone through that game but I will talk to them to see how much they are up for it.”

The French national anthem “La Marseillaise” will ring out again tomorrow at Premier League grounds as a mark of respect for and unity with a country still in shock. Wenger, like the rest of France, has been moved by the English reaction. He had intended to watch the Germany game live but was delayed by a prior engagement in Paris. But he was at Wembley on Tuesday and praised the sense of togetherness generated by the hosts.

“I think it was fantastic for France and it showed the class of England. To see the arch of Wembley in French colours was something that had a strong significance for French people. I think it’s [‘La Marseillaise’] a nice gesture of solidarity. It’s not an obvious one for the fans, just like it would not be an obvious one for fans in France to sing ‘God Save the Queen’ because they don’t know the words. Symbolically it’s a very nice gesture.”

As we continue to process the tragic events of the past week Wenger wonders at the consequences in France and beyond, on and off the pitch. “Nobody in France has found an answer or a real explanation for what’s going on and why,” he said.

“What was targeted was the way of life, basically: football, going out, listening to music. I am more worried that it could divide the society and create some tensions inside the country that could damage the tolerant and multi-cultural society. You have to trust politicians to make the right decisions to counter that.

“I don’t think suddenly every game is under threat. Who knows what the future is or how strong the organisation is? Or how many people in France or England are prepared, as from what I’ve heard, they planned a multi-European attack as well. We have to live with that and just get on with our lives.”

At least the return to club action shifts the focus and, to a degree, provides a diversion. As Wenger remarked in typically philosophical fashion, the best way to move on is to be busy at work. “Life has to be stronger than fear and the way for us to get on with life is to focus on our job. You always think after this kind of event: do you continue or do you stop your life, [stop] to play?

“For me they made the right decision and I believe the event on Tuesday night has shown that it was the right decision. You cannot stop just everything. We have to continue with our lives and try as well to get people to focus on something else. The football world has responded the way you want it to respond in a big union and a big togetherness.”

Wenger did not have to wait too long before the next item on the agenda presented itself. And on the matter of homosexuality in football, the Arsenal manager is in broad agreement with Premier League chief executive, Peter Scudamore, who claimed that the mood of the nation has evolved sufficiently to be accepting of gay players.

“I believe when you watch a football player you don’t know, you don’t want to know what is his sexuality. What you want to see is a football player, no matter what he is in his private life. It has become more tolerant towards that situation. I wouldn’t like to say it’s perfect, but certainly better than 10 years ago.”