Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has urged Arsenal to develop a “hatred of losing”, insisting it will take more than technical ability to beat their rivals to trophies.
Arsene Wenger is under increasing pressure from Arsenal fans having failed to claim a Premier League title for over a decade, and is on the verge of guiding the north London club to their seventh last-16 Champions League exit in as many attempts.
The Gunners also currently sit 10 points behind league-leaders Chelsea after 25 fixtures and have their silverware hopes pinned on a third FA Cup trophy in four seasons.
Koscielny believes that although Arsenal possess the ability to go head-to-head with the elite, their mentality going into important games falls some way short.
“We have the technical and physical qualities,” Koscielny told RMC Sport. “We must put in the effort for the whole match. Against the big teams, it takes more than talent.
“It takes more commitment. We are in a complicated situation, [but] we must remain united.
“We must have the hatred of losing.”
Arsenal’s recent run of results have seen them beaten by Watford and Chelsea in the Premier League, while they were the focus of humiliation following a 5-1 hammering at Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Their capitulation at the Allianz Arena sparked questions regarding the players’ respect for their manager, though Koscielny has moved to dismiss those reports.
“I think the group is always receptive to Arsene Wenger’s message,” he added. “The coach is there to prepare the players physically, tactically and put a plan in place on the pitch.
“After that, it is up to the players to do what is needed on the pitch to win matches.”
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