Per Mertesacker says English teams have no excuses for failing to prepare in training as they’re free from the distraction of open sessions in front of supporters.
Unlike their counterparts on the continent Premier League sides are, for the most part, drilled on a daily basis in private, free from the prying eyes of the media and their own excitable fans.
While Arsenal does open its doors to members for a pre-season gathering it’s a far cry from what the BFG experienced back home in Germany when he was on the books with Hannover and Werder Bremen.
“In Germany, a fan has the possibility to interact with footballers at any time,” Mertesacker told homeland publication, Kicker [translated by Sport Witness].
“Before training, after training, in the car park after the showers.
“On the training ground [in England], there is absolute silence. No fans, no journalists, nothing can distract you. Here, you cannot complain that you cannot workout.
“They want you to give everything on the pitch for 90 minutes. That’s the only thing that counts.”
Asked if he had a preference, the BFG chose to sit on the fence. “Which is better or worse? I do not want to vote.”
Per also reflected on how he could now end his career in England having arrived on these shores with the idea of probably returning home at some point.
“When we came here, it was very much one thing at a time for us. We’d always said we’d definitely return to Germany, but that has now turned a bit. The idea of staying here already occupies our thoughts a lot.”
Long live BFG.
Arsenal Legend in the making.
He’s such a positive persona in the squad. Love that he’s a Gooner.
Hope you retire a Gooner Per! <3
It’s not as if diminishing pace will ruin his game…
His cockney accent is nearly as good as Hector’s.
Ledge.
Hope he doesn’t stay so long he turns into another Carragher at the end, but he’s welcome to stay that long if he wants?
U-19s have beaten Bayern 2-0! Hoping for a repeat scoreline!!
We owe you thanks!
I want us to win something memorable with him, so that when he retires or leaves us he his reputation and legacy isn’t mainly about his comical lack of pace, also because I want us to win something memorable 😉 COYG!
Not taking away anything from our great consecutive Fa Cups with him, but as Arsenal fans we expect more.
Hope Calum is smart enough to stick to this guy like glue for however long he is here. Couldnt wish for a better example of a dedicated professional.
But Callum will only get his chance as a starting XI or even first replacement if BFG leaves the club. Callum, you will not a regular player for two more years.
Big Per can retire at Arsenal in 2/3 seasons’ time and join the coaching staff. Good man to impart wisdom and club ethics to the young ‘uns.
The BFG
How come theres so many legendary characters at the Arsenal?
In the midst of all his ‘pacelessness’ I always told me there’s a reason why he has about a century of caps for the world champions. This guy’s steel, dedication and professionalism is matchless.
I love when people beat on about his lack of pace but refuse to acknowledge his reading of the game & presence in defence. But then John Terry will make one near post interception and the whole world cries OMG what brilliant reading by the marvelous infallible JT. Long live the BFG, you can see how much he genuinely loves this club.
If Gabriel & Chambers can become the new Mert & Kosc, we are going to have years of good times coming our way!