Clichy noted that Arsenal are now defensive and focused on set pieces instead of trying to score from open play.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Arsenal defender, Gael Clichy, has said his old club’s manager, Mikel Arteta, lacked ambition to win the Premier League title and other cup completions.
He made his feelings on the matter known recently while talking to Metro.
According to the Frenchman, the Gunners have lost their identity that was built under former manager Arsene Wenger.
He added that they are now defensive and focused on set pieces instead of trying to score from open play.
While analysing their last game against Liverpool, he noted that Arteta wasn’t trying to win but concerned about not losing the encounter.
Clichy said, “Arsenal is coming to a place where the idea and identity of Arsene Wenger’s football isn’t seen much anymore.
“We don’t talk about how well Arsenal played these days, we talk about how difficult they are to break down or how impressive they’re on set pieces.
“We have to accept the manager wants something different. But we also have to tell it like it is – we have also maybe seen a lack of ambition from Arsenal as a club and from Mikel.
“When you look at that game against Liverpool, you can see a team that’s not concerned about winning but a team excited not to lose a game.
“This’s very subtle but this’s a massive difference for a team that is competing for the title. So hopefully this will change with the players they have now.”
