Gael Clichy has hit back at Freddie Ljungberg's parting
shots and claimed the Arsenal players are confident this will be a
"big year" for the club. Following his move to West Ham this week,
Ljungberg argued his former club lacked ambition and their glory
days were over.
Arsenal lost 1-0 against Salzburg here on Wednesday night but
French defender Clichy said: "I don't think Arsenal lack ambition.
"I don't know why Freddie said that. He has had nine great seasons
with Arsenal and he's entitled to his opinion but I've got a
different opinion. "We know we've got the quality, the strength.
Everyone is confident, we have signed new players and we are going
to have a great season.
"For two years we hear Arsenal are not competitive any more but
last season we won both matches against Manchester United, drew
both against Chelsea with what is supposed to be a young team, so I
don't know what's wrong with that. "We have a few new players who
have added more quality to the team and the boss is one of the best
managers."
Arsenal's already youthful squad is even more inexperienced
following the departures of Ljungberg and Thierry Henry but Clichy
does not seen it as a problem. He said: "Of course it is difficult
to lose a player like Thierry, who is one of the best strikers in
the world. But I think we have plenty of qualities, everyone can
see it, and I think this year will be a big one for Arsenal."
Sweden international Ljungberg was critical of the Gunners and
their title chances following his switch to West Ham. However,
former team-mate Gael Clichy sees no reason why next season cannot
be a "big one" for Wenger's emerging squad. "I do not think Arsenal
lack ambition," the full-back told the London Evening Standard. "I
do not know why Freddie has said that. He has had nine great
seasons with Arsenal and he is entitled to his opinion - but I have
got a different opinion.
"We know we have got the quality, the strength. "Everyone is
confident, we have signed new players and we are going to have a
great season. "For two years we hear Arsenal are not competitive
any more - but we won both matches against Manchester United last
season, and drew twice with Chelsea with what is supposed to be a
young team, so I do not know what is wrong with that.
"We have a few new players who have added more quality to the team
and the boss is one of the best managers." Clichy added: "Of course
it is difficult to lose a player like Thierry, who is one of the
best strikers in the world - but we have plenty of qualities,
everyone can see it, and I think this year will be a big one for
Arsenal."
