ARSENAL captain Per Mertesacker admitted that the Gunners dressing room is “tense” – but expects the players to react after a recent run of poor form.
The German, 32, also said that the players have “not been ready for a fight” during their troubled spell.
Arsenal.com
Getty Images
Arsenal gave won just one of their last four Premier League games and head into Tuesday night’s Champions League second leg against Bayern Munich facing a 5-1 deficit.
Keep up to date with ALL the Arsena l news, gossip, transfers and goals on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary
The Gunners were well beaten by Liverpool at the weekend, with Alexis Sanchez left on the bench after a training ground bust-up with Arsene Wenger and team-mates last week .
News Group Newspapers Ltd
In a fiery press conference on Monday afternoon, Wenger claimed that the reports were “completely false” and that “nothing happened” .
Mertesacker was asked if the players should take some blame of if the poor results were the fault of Wenger.
AN OFFER HE CAN'T REFUSE
Legendary WWE icon CM Punk offered staggering $1m to make a one-off return to the ring
AND HE'S WON IT
Ander Herrera bags player of the year award at Man United's lavish end of season bash hosted by Rachel Riley
'NOT A COACH'
Tony Adams: Arsene Wenger couldn't coach his way out of a paper bag... and Arsenal blocked me returning FOUR times
'I'LL DO IT RIGHT NOW'
WWE star Dean Ambrose wants cross-code fight in the UFC if he is paid $500,000
FAB DAY OUT
Amazing trio of Wags step out for launch of designer shoe shop... but who are their famous partners?
'i felt embarrassed for the club'
Arsenal legend Tony Adams on his shock at 'disrespectful' final contract offer
JUDGMENT DAY
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke 'set to jet into London' to discuss Arsene Wenger's future
'do something about your wife'
Sexy footie WAG in hot water after posing bizarre picture of herself on the LOO
Two Games left lads!
Chelsea stars given midweek break by Antonio Conte after title heroics... but they've still got the FA Cup final to go
dive bar
Premier League divers will be BANNED by the FA from next season after chiefs vote in support of rule shake-up
Feeling Bleus
Didier Deschamps blasts Martial's confidence as he snubs winger for France's clash with England
power serg
Sergio Romero set to be Man Utd number one next season if David De Gea moves to Real Madrid
Blues in Aub-it
Chelsea want Borussia Dortmund's 37-goal hero Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to replace Diego Costa
LONDON CALLING
Crystal Palace eye double raid for Man City's out-of contract full-backs Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy
UNITED FRONT
Fergie tapped me up twice but I turned Manchester United down because I was Arsenal through and through, says Tony Adams
SIX OF THE BEST
Leicester 1 Tottenham 6: Harry Kane hits four to become leading scorer in Premier League as Spurs rout Foxes at King Power Stadium
MAC IS BACK
Stephanie McMahon reveals she wants to make a comeback to the ring when she makes her WWE return
United offered Silva platter
Man United target and Monaco's £70m ace Bernardo Silva issues come-get-me plea
Dier Straits
Tottenham shaken as Eric Dier wants to leave along with Kyle Walker and Danny Rose... as both Manchester clubs prepare to swoop for Spurs stars
WRIGHT'S RULES
Tony Adams: Arsene Wenger changed time of training to suit Ian Wright because he hated confrontation
The German said: “[There have been times] where we’re absolutely not ready for a fight.
“I want to see that [against Bayern]. We need to turn that around. That is the focus, to come back to our strengths.
“[Against Liverpool] We had the chance to go for it, to push it… we have to execute.
“It’s not always the manager’s fault.”
News Group Newspapers Ltd
Mertesacker was then asked what the atmosphere in the dressing room was like after such a poor run.”
“It’s a little bit tense, but that’s normal,” he said.
“The team is eager to change. We want to change that situation. We need to focus on the next game. It’s going to be tough.
“We need the fans to back us up if we want to be successful again.
“We need to come back with a stronger performance.”
Arsenal have lost three of their last four in the Premier League Getty Images Mertesacker was also asked if the players were behind Wenger – something that the Frenchman clearly took offence to.
Before the German could answer, Wenger interrupted.
“It’s not down to the players to choose a manager,” he said.
“I ask you is everyone in your company behind you? It’s your bosses who choose if you are here or not.
“It’s not down to the players to choose the manager. The players have to perform for the club.
“It’s not about politics. It’s about performance – I have to perform and the players have to perform.”
Leave a comment