Mertesacker comments hint at Wenger shortcomings

Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker’s comments following last night’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Monaco appeared to be a veiled indictment of manager Arsène Wenger.

Despite the win, Arsenal were eliminated from the competition via the away goals rule - the fifth-straight season they have gone out in the Round of 16 - with Mertesacker admitting his team lack focus in training and matches, ultimately giving them little chance of winning either the Champions League or Premier League title.

“In the first game, we didn’t have that mental level you need to compete at the highest level. That was missing but you could see last night how good we are as a team and how well organized we can be.

“We need to consider that every day in training and in games. That is why we are so far away from winning the Champions League.

“We have to try to play at the same level quality-wise in the FA Cup and the League.”

Via The Evening Standard http://bit.ly/1GXr0nj

Reading through the lines: Mental strength comes from a culture of discipline and focus, which is primarily imparted top down, from the manager. It is fed through the coaching staff to the players, with the captain setting the example to the squad.

In identifying Arsenal’s weakness, Mertesacker has put the blame on Arsenal’s lack of success squarely on the shoulders of manager Arsène Wenger for failing to instill the necessary culture at the club.

Sadly, for Gunners fans, if Wenger hasn’t been able to do this after 18 years in charge, there’s little hope things will change for the better any time soon.

Image via arsenal.com