Arsenal are currently 5th in the Premier League table and Granit Xhaka believes that clinching one of the Champions League spots will be essential to justify the team’s progress.
Unai Emery has been appointed the Gunners manager after Arsene Wenger’s 22 years with the club. In the Frenchman’s final 2 seasons, the North London outfit fell out of the top four.
Now, it has become Emery’s primary target to return the club back to it’s Champions League status and Xhaka is prepared to do what is necessary.
The Swiss midfielder said, “After Arsene Wenger left, a lot of things changed at this club. We are happy with the coach and we have improved a lot, and we work a lot.”
“It will be a big step if we return to the Champions League. We want to. It’s not easy but we will keep working. Of course, it is important. Two times in three years we did not play in the Champions League and a club like Arsenal has to play in the Champions League. We need to show that on the pitch.”
Arsenal could only collect a point against Tottenham Hotspur to concede the 4th spot to Manchester United, who managed a comeback 3-2 victory over Southampton themselves.
The two sides are due to face off against each other next Saturday, both looking to gain an advantage over the other in the Champions League qualification race.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos told the press, “We have nine games and we are there. Next week also is very important.”
“Big game. In our home we have to take the three points. What I saw against Tottenham, the spirit of the team, I am very happy and I think if we are like this until the end we can do it.”
See Also: Arsenal Development Team/Squad
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