Image: Bildbyran

Arsenal skipper Granit Xhaka has hit back at former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, saying that his claims about the club’s mentality are way off the mark.

The Gunners succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, notching their 5th away loss in the last 10 away games in the league. Following the loss, Evra described them as ‘babies’, saying they are no different from the times when he himself played against them.

“We have to stop about mental [strength] bulls*** like this. For me, it is the same whether you play home or away – you have to win and show big character and a good game and not to always find the same excuse,” Xhaka said.

Addressing Evra’s comments, he added: “A lot of people they speak too much. It is not the first time he has spoken something about us.”

“I have a lot of respect for him as he was a great player but you have to be careful what you say. But it is not only him – a lot of people speak a lot of bulls*** about us. It’s always the same.”

“For me it is strange as they were in the same situation as us, they were players as well. Sometimes it is good and sometimes it is not always good but every week they speak bulls*** like this every week.”

“I tell you the honest truth, I’m not interested in what people say and speak. We have to speak in our group to improve things and work hard and not listen to these people.”

“I think we did a lot of good things and they had one chance, and it was a goal.”

“But it’s too easy, you shouldn’t lose a game because of a corner or a free-kick. We have to improve but there were some good things as well. In the end if you want to be top four then you have to beat Sheffield.”

SEE ALSO: Evra labels Arsenal as babies