Lack of silverware frustrates Szczesny

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has expressed frustration at the Londoners’ failure to lift silverware this season.

The 22-year-old has established himself as the club’s number one shot-stopper this term but, while he is pleased on a personal level, he admitted he had hoped to win a trophy.

“I would’ve been more satisfied if we had won any trophies,” he told the club’s official website.

“My goal at the beginning of the season was to win trophies for this club and I haven’t won any, so that’s always a big disappointment.

“But it’s my first full season in professional football, I’m enjoying it, and I think I’ve been quite consistent considering my age.”

The Polish keeper also praised the faith shown in him by manager Arsene Wenger but refuses to believe he is untouchable in the first team yet.

“I’m 22 years old and I don’t think I’m an established number one. I still need to prove myself at this club,” he said.

“I do feel confident, but if we had this conversation in a few years’ time and I’ve played 500 games for this club, I’ll feel like I’m an established number one.

“I’ve never been short of confidence but when you actually start playing regularly and you feel like you’re number one for the club, it gives you massive confidence knowing that the manager believes in you and trusts whatever you do.

“You know you can afford to make the odd mistake and you won’t be dropped. It gives me a lot of confidence and that kind of shows in my performances.

“I believe I have improved, I’ve matured a lot in goal, I keep my focus for 90 minutes – which wasn’t always the case in my early days.

“So the improvement is there but I’m hoping to improve with every single game and every single season at this club.”