Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is looking for a show of solidarity from his players after agreeing to sell Samir Nasri to Manchester City.
It was announced on Tuesday that terms had been agreed between the two clubs for the French midfielder, who has now travelled to Manchester to undergo his medical.
Nasri is the second big name to depart from Emirates Stadium this transfer window, with Cesc Fabregas opting to return home to Barcelona.
Although he admitted he was worried about the effect it would have on his team, the Frenchman wants his players to show their fighting spirit.
“You are always concerned about the consequences it can have on the team,” Wenger said.
“But it can as well have a positive consequence; if you are strong mentally you can increase the solidarity.”
“We’ll have to fight more and that’s what you ideally want from strong mentally players.”
“You cannot think only about one game in a season. The decision had a logic, that is, of course business interest.”
“But what you want is players who are completely committed to the long term to defend our chances.”
Although he has been criticised in some quarters for his dealings, or lack of, in the transfer market, Wenger said he was confident the players he has brought in would be a success.
“I’ve bought some great players as well,” he said. “We have brought in (winger Alex) Chamberlain, you will see that he will be a great player, Gervinho as well, but we want ideally more.”
“My job is to my best for the club and that’s what I’ll do, with complete belief in the team, in the players I have available and that’s the best opportunity to show as well that we are as well good enough to fight for this club.”
The sale of Nasri comes just a day before Arsenal take on Udinese in the second leg of their Champions League qualifier.
They travel to Italy with a 1-0 lead but are hampered by a depleted squad due to injuries and the recent sales.
Wenger, however, has backed the players to show their quality against the side who came fourth in Serie A last season.
And he added that failure to qualify for the Champions League would not be the crisis which many have suggested it would be.
“The match is not critical. It’s for us an opportunity to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League and so it’s a good opportunity,” he said.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SoccerNews
Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.
You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.