England

Manuel Almunia Looks Forward To A Strong Start With Arsenal

The Gunners' number 1 goalkeeper wants the team to hit the ground running when the season starts...

Jul 6, 2009 4:30:40 PM

Manuel Almunia conceded three as Manchester United breached his defence and burst his net (PA)

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Manuel Almunia conceded three as Manchester United breached his defence and burst his net (PA)

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Arsenal's first choice glovesman Manuel Almunia has alluded to a lack of concentration as the cause for the club's slow start to last season, and has called for more focus to the next campaign.

"We needed to be more focused at the start of the season," the uncapped Spaniard explained to the July edition of the club's official magazine. "If we had all been more involved with the mission at the start of the season, it could have been a better year for us. In the last half of the season I think everyone realised what was required and you could see the results.

"I think sometimes something has to be said to make things work right and when certain things were spoken about, it proved to make people focus on things.

"The second half of the season showed what we can do, but you have to be fit mentally and physically from the start and be fully involved with the project of the boss."

The 32-year-old continued, "That is what we need to do from July this year, from the minute we get back for pre-season. We need to make sure the group is together and focused after the break and to show our total commitment.

"I am sure that because we have the quality, next season will be much better than the one we have just finished."

Alan Dawson, Goal.com