Wenger: I used 4-3-3 before coming to Arsenal

Manager Arsène Wenger put to bed media speculation regarding his adoption of the 4-3-3 formation being related to Barcelona's use of the same system.

The Frenchman explained that he had used 4-3-3 before his time at Arsenal, when he was coaching at French club Monaco. It was only when he came to Arsenal that he switched to using 4-4-2.

Arsenal have been drawn against Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Their success on the pitch last season made the 4-3-3 system popular, though it's a misconception to think that the European champions created the formation.

Wenger said: "I played 4-3-3 before Barcelona. I played 4-3-3 at Monaco and I think Barcelona has not created that system. That system is a Dutch system.

"Johan Cruyff exported it and played in that system. The Dutch used that system in 1974 in the World Cup in Germany.

"I thought it was more suited to the quality of our players. It suits Fabregas, it allows van Persie to play in a free role up front and because we have so many versatile players we are not made for a strict 4-4-2. It gives us more freedom to be creative."

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