Francis Coquelin has spoken about the differences between Arsene Wenger and Marcelino, adapting to La Liga, and how he’s feeling on the pitch in a recent interview in Spain.

Coquelin moved from Arsenal to Valencia in the January transfer window, and he’s made a good start to life in Spain. Last week he scored his first goal for his new club, helping them come back from 1-0 down to beat Malaga 2-1.

It was only the third goal of his senior career, and his first in more than three seasons.

Spanish outlet Super Deporte asked the midfielder whether the change of manager was having an effect on his performances.

“Each coach has his characteristics,” Coquelin responded. “I am very grateful to Wenger for giving me the opportunity to play. Here I play with a different system, a 4-4-2, that I am enjoying a lot.”

Then the 26-year-old went onto say that this is one of the best periods of his career. He highlighted the atmosphere and the opportunity to start regularly as two of the things he’s enjoyed most about his move to Spain.

“Probably this is one of my best moments as a player,” he said. “I feel very good on the pitch, there is a very healthy competition to play, there is a great atmosphere. The coach gives me the opportunity to play and I am very happy to have come here and feel welcome.”

Of course, one of the biggest changes is playing teams from La Liga every week. After eight seasons in the Premier League and just two abroad, Coquelin will be much more used to playing in England. He explained to Super Deporte how things are different in Spain, and his worries about how his combative style would go down with referees.

“What strikes me most is that all teams want to have the ball, to have possession,” he revealed. “La Liga is a great competition, we are probably talking about the two best leagues in the world.

“The differences are in style. The Premier League is more physical, La Liga is more technical. In the first match I was afraid that they would give me a lot of yellows. For now, we are on the right track.”

Hopefully Coquelin can stay on the right track for the rest of the season. He never quite fit in at Arsenal without Santi Cazorla alongside him, but Valencia have given him a fresh start. So far, he’s making the most of it, so he just needs to keep that going.