Djourou: Last season was difficult to take

Defender Johan Djourou has admitted that last season was difficult to take for the players.

The Swissman is now prepping for the Champions League qualifiers, and reflecting on last season when the Gunners came away with nothing.

Djourou said: “I know it has been said before, but we must turn the negatives into positives for next season.

“Of course it was a disappointing season, it was difficult to take after we were playing for so many trophies at the same time, so it’s always hard to take when you come out empty-handed.

“But I don’t think we need to envy anyone, we showed against Barcelona at home and away that we can be a contender.

“The defence is not an issue, of course you’re always going to come back to the defence when you lose a game.”