EXCLUSIVE: The left-back says there is no longer a
clique culture at the club and believes the addition of a couple of big
names could see them challenge for the title
Nacho Monreal has revealed that a clique culture at Arsenal is at an end and believes the “amazing” team spirit at the club will drive their title challenge next season.The Gunners struggled in the first half of last season but their form improved after the turn of the year as Arsene Wenger’s side finished third in the Premier League and retained the FA Cup.
Monreal made 39 appearances in all competitions last season and believes a much-improved team spirit is behind the turnaround in Arsenal’s form.
“The atmosphere [in the dressing room] is amazing, not only with the Spanish-speaking players but throughout the team,” Monreal told Goal at the launch of Arsenal’s new Puma home kit.
“We are one group. Maybe before there were groups of English, French or Spanish players, but now we are together as a group. The atmosphere is amazing, and I think that’s why we finished the season playing so well.
“At the beginning of the season it was different, and when the atmosphere is not good, it’s difficult to win games and play well. During the second part of the season, we played really well because the atmosphere was amazing.”
Arsenal are targeting the likes of Petr Cech and Karim Benzema to improve their squad ahead of a potential title challenge - and defender Monreal has urged the club to sign “top players” this summer.
“After winning two FA Cups in a row, we want to win more,” Monreal added. “I’d like to win the Premier League, it would be a dream for everyone, but we know it will be difficult.
“I think we need to start as we finished last season, because we finished really well and on a top level.
“I think that if we sign one or two top players, we will have more chance to win the Premier League.
“Over the last two seasons, the club have signed players like Mesut [Ozil] and Alexis [Sanchez], and I’m sure we’ll sign another top player this summer.
“I think it’s very important for the team and the supporters because they’re very important for us. If the fans are happy with the players, we feel that on the pitch and we’ll have more of a chance to win the league.”
Monreal established himself as Arsenal’s first choice left-back last season after struggling to break into the team after his transfer from Malaga in January 2013.
He admits he was “disappointed and upset” at the start of his Gunners’ career but now feels he is in the best form of his career and is eyeing a recall to the Spain national team.
“Players want to play every single game,” Monreal said. “My beginning with Arsenal wasn’t easy, I didn’t play enough and I felt disappointed and upset with everything.
“I wanted to play and I didn’t play, but this is football. There are two different players for the same position; at the time, Kieran Gibbs was playing amazing football and I had to wait for my chance. This season was different, I played practically every game, it was amazing for me.
“I feel really good. I feel strong and I have confidence in myself and try to do my best. The boss has confidence in me, so I enjoyed it a lot, it was a really good season.
“I would like to play with the national team. I was playing with the national team for four years, which was amazing for me, but now I don’t have this opportunity because there are other players.
“I will try to come back and play for the national team because it’s very important to me, but I know I have to keep going and playing well at Arsenal. If I do, I’ll have a chance to come back.”
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