"To be honest, I don't think all the focus on whether I play in the middle is fair on me, the team or the manager," he said.
"Whether I play in the centre or on the right, I'll always continue to work as hard as I can for the team. What's most important to me is the manager trusts me to play in the middle, and we all trust him to make the right choices for the balance of the side.
"I know there will be times when he'll think Xabi and me playing together is the best option, and occasions when he'll use others there and may ask me to do a different role.
"The manager has said we'll be more positive, but we know that may make us weaker at the back, so we have to be careful.
"It's not just about going all out attack every week against every team, but getting the balance right.
"A different system will suit different teams. Everyone understands that, so different personnel will be used throughout the season."