Jose Riga believes Yaya Sanogo can demonstrate his talent while on loan with Charlton and prove the doubters wrong.
The Arsenal striker joined the Addicks on deadline day on a deal until the end of the season.
Sanogo has only made 11 league appearances for the Gunners since signing back in 2013 and has a mixed reputation among supporters.
Riga insists that he has been impressed by Sanogo, who he says has an opportunity to demonstrate his quality at Charlton.
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When asked by News Shopper whether he believes Sanogo can reignite his career in south London and prove people wrong, Riga said: “Yeah, we spoke about that.
“He’s only 23 so when you go to a club like Arsenal at a young age, and then face challenges in Ajax, it can be difficult to know that you can reach the level.
“But he knows that he has opportunities here. First, to help us, which is the most important.
“But of course also to show his game on the English market – because even though we are near the bottom of the Championship, there’s a lot of focus on us.”
Riga praised Sanogo’s mentality when completing a loan move to the club.
The Belgian boss says he was only interested in signing players who would be up for the cause.
“I always try to make new players understand that we need them, not only their quality but their commitment,” Riga, 58, said.
“And we want to know before signing them, even on loan, that that’s the case.
“You can have quality but if you look at the situation just thinking about yourself, sorry [but] it cannot be like that.
“Yaya has done well, on the training ground he’s been very good.”
Riga also revealed that Sanogo is a major injury doubt going into Saturday’s trip to Fulham.
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