Johan Djourou believes that the five new players signed by Arsene Wenger at the end of the transfer window will be very important in boosting squad morale.
The Swiss defender, who has returned from international duty to be greeted by defenders Andre Santos and Per Mertesacker, midfield duo Yossi Benayoun and Mikel Arteta and striker Chu Young Park, also stressed that competition for places in the starting XI can only help improve the Gunners in the long-term.
Speaking to Arsenal Player, the centre-back remarked:
“The transfer window was just crazy. I left here [to go on international duty] and then I have five new guys in the dressing-room.
“I think it’s great. I think we needed some new players, we needed competition in the team and I think that’s just what happened here.
“It went crazy in the last day, or last two days – just bam, bam, bam…five players in the team. It’s good, it’s going to bring new life to the club and they are good players.
“I think if you look at players like Mikel Arteta, Yossi Benayoun, Per Mertesacker and Park we have some very good players. I don’t really know Andre Santos that much, but I’ve heard he’s a really good left-back so it’s great for the team.
“The squad is full now and we have to really work hard for each other.”
Having played alongside Laurent Koscielny during the recent drubbing at Old Trafford, Djourou also spoke about the club’s worst result since the 19th century and insisted that it was not acceptable.
“As a player it wasn’t the most pleasant experience, but I think it’s one of those that happens once. It was something that came out of nowhere, it was tough to take.
“We fought hard, we tried to give our best, but I have to say they were just really good and had a fantastic game. Obviously you don’t want to accept that, because getting beaten like that is not acceptable for a team like us.”
How??
” we tried to give our best”
seriously?
Not brilliant for his CV this 8-2 loss. Best way to contra this past few EPL months, is for the team to start talking to each other on the pitch. I want to hear swear words, I want near border bullying from the back four to the mid field. I want Ramsay to see the pass quicker ( I know he can). I want them to beleive that they are better than any other team in the EPL. So what..if they call us arrogant… we will be winners. DJ… stop being ONLY an excellent technical player, start being a defender…… Read more »
Djourou should never get anywhere near our first team… The dude can’t even make the mighty Swiss team.
He really needs to sort out his frequent bouts of panic during games aka Kolo Toure…., Kolotisis’…
I reckon Ignassi will demote him this year.
[…] Furthermore, additional signings simply = to more competition for squad position. Players like Arshavin, Chamakh place in the team under threat ( if they weren’t already before ). The first to admit the pressure of competition would be helpful would be our under-performing Swiss, Djourou. […]
am i right in saying that we have all of the 17 non-british player quota filled? if so then we will need to sell before we buy in January (or let some more go on loan). Given Arsene is not a fan of the January window, can we assume he won’t buy until June, when (i think) Rosicky, Arshavin, Fabianski are out of contract? I can imagine 1 or more from Squillaci/Almunia/Chamakh will leave the club before the end of June aswell. My point is this, this could be the start of the much needed overhaul of this squad which… Read more »
^^^ Dream world. Instead we will sell RVP and Theo and replace them with 5 more Squillacis.