LONDON (UK) – Arsenal goalie Bernd Leno said coach Mike Arteta could not be blamed for their precarious position in the Premier League and the players must take responsibility for the dismal shape of the team.
The club snapped a three-game losing spree on Wednesday with a 1-1 draw at home to Southampton. However, they are not out of danger as they are five points above the relegation zone in 15th position.
“The coach is least to blame for the fact that we are in this situation,” Leno said. “If you look at the way we were running around on the pitch at times, then the players are the only ones to blame.
“We’re getting red cards, making mistakes, standing out of position. These are things that we have clearly addressed a thousand times. In the end, it’s a lack of focus on the part of the players.
“The coach is not an issue in the dressing room, there is no criticism of him. We criticise ourselves and the players know that they are responsible.”
The club’s problems were blamed on lack of discipline by Leno, adding that the players were determined to put the house in order.
Its central defender Gabriel was sent off on Wednesday and Granit Xhaka was shown a red card in Sunday’s 1-0 rout by Burnley.
“The attitude is bad, the discipline is lacking and we have no self-confidence. There are many factors at play here,” he added. “We have addressed this very clearly internally and everyone agrees that we have to change this very quickly.”