Arsenal Have A Mental Problem – Koscielny

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has told RMC the team have a “mental problem” in maintaining consistency against big teams.

Injury forced the withdrawal of Koscielny from last week’s Champions League match at Bayern Munich with the score at 1-1 soon after the break — and the Bundesliga champions went on to win 5-1.

Arsene Wenger’s side have won once and lost four times against other clubs currently in the Premier League’s top seven, and Koscielny said: “We have up and down results. It’s a mental problem.

“We have the technical and physical qualities. We have to make an effort for the whole game.

“Against big teams you need more than talent. It takes more commitment, helping your teammates to defend. You have to find other reserves.

“In certain games we lacked the knack, determination in challenges. We’re in a difficult situation and we have to stick together. We have to hate losing.”

Arsenal have slipped to fourth in the Premier League table and are a point ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, who they play at Anfield on March 4.

Koscielny, hopeful of recovering from the thigh injury that forced him off in Germany in time for the game, backed manager Wenger and said: “I think the squad is still receptive to his message.

“The coach is there to prepare the players physically, tactically and organise things on the pitch. After that, it’s up to the players to do what is needed on the pitch to win games.

“I’d like him to extend his contract. I’ve played for seven years under him and I have huge respect for him. I owe him a lot for my career.”