Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira says the Gunners need to participate in the Champions League because of the club’s huge stature.
The North Londoners have lost their leverage in the top four race following their 3-1 defeat against Manchester City. Arsenal have failed to show much resistance off late and it has reflected on their results as the Gunners have slipped down to the sixth place in the Premier League table.
Unai Emery’s topmost priority would be to secure a top four finish this season in a bid to return back to the Champions League. Last two seasons saw them finishing outside of the top four but they need to avoid that scenario again.
Torreira said, “Just a few weeks ago, (Manchester) United were obviously behind us but it’s happened and it’s something we have to deal with.
“We obviously don’t want that form to happen again. As players, you always need to be fighting for an objective when you walk out onto the pitch and for us that means qualifying for the Champions League.
“We know it’s not going to be easy, that’s for sure, because we are up against some great teams such as Chelsea and Manchester United but we need to try and stand firm as a team and as a group and battle in every game.
“The squad is focused on qualifying for the Champions League because a big club like Arsenal deserves to be playing in that competition.”
