Arsenal defender Jurien Timbert is confident the Gunners have all the tools they need to create a successful Premier League season.
It has been a fruitful summer for sporting director Andrea Berta and coach Mikel Arteta, who have signed six new permanent players in the open transfer window.
On Thursday, ahead of Arsenal's top-flight final against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Arteta spoke of his determination to win the trophy: “We have to keep working, working, working because one day we will find gold.”
Timber agreed with his coach's analogy, adding: “We're close to success, it's just the last step. There's nothing left to do but just get going and fight until the end.”
“I think we have a coach, a team and a club that are ready for it. That's why everyone is so excited to start all over again. We will give it our all because we know we have a chance.”
Timber disagrees that any setbacks played a significant role in Arsenal, last season's runners-up, ending up 10 points behind that season's champions.
“You always need a bit of luck, but at the end of last season we just weren't good enough,” he said. “Liverpool were better. So we're aiming to change that this season.”
After their visit to Old Trafford, Arsenal face Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Newcastle.
Timber added: “It's a tough start, isn't it? I think last season was tough for us. It could go both ways. If we get off to a good start, it could be really great.”
“That's the challenge. We have to react to what happens during the game, so for us it's Manchester on Sunday and then Leeds. I think we have to approach it as another game to win. That's the best approach.”
“For me personally, when the programme first came on I thought, 'Oh, what a tough start!' And from then on, all week I only talked about Manchester United, not the City game. It was so far away. The whole week was about Manchester United. Not even Leeds or Liverpool.”
Timber revealed he had ankle surgery at the end of last season to “remove something that had been bothering me for a long time,” adding: “I feel good now.”
He does not believe Arsenal are under any extra pressure this season despite the lack of trophies.
He added: “I think Arsenal have shown over the last couple of years that we will always fight for the title.
Every year they try to strengthen the squad, and this summer too. I think we have a great team, ready to do miracles. Of course, we will strive for this and try to give it our all, as in every season. This season will not be an exception.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
