Sabtu, 2 Ogos 2008

Clichy - We can bridge the gap to Man United

Two seasons ago Arsenal finished 21 points behind Manchester United. Last season they trimmed that gap to four points. So can Arsène Wenger's side continue their rate of progress and get their noses in front of the back-to-back champions this term?


Gael Clichy thinks so. The French defender knows Arsenal need to improve to knock United off their perch but, speaking ahead of this weekend's Emirates Cup, he confirmed his faith in Arsenal's young squad as they prepare for another shot at the Premier League crown.


"The objective is for us to progress so we will try and, like the boss says, I think we have the quality to compete in this League," said Clichy.


"We will show everyone and if we progress we have the chance to win the League.


"Of course Man U and Chelsea are strong sides ­ as are Liverpool and Tottenham, they are building new teams ­ but I am really confident with the quality we have got and I can't wait for the season to start. It is going to be an exciting one and we will be up for it."


Clichy has seen Mathieu Flamini, Alex Hleb and Gilberto leave Emirates Stadium this summer but his own future has never been in doubt. All the left-back wants to do is win silverware with Arsenal.


"For me it is different because the boss is French and he brought me here. I don't know many managers in football but I think he is one of the best," said Clichy.


"To work with a manager like him and players like Cesc and Robin, we are all around 22 to 25 and it is a dream to play for Arsenal. So all the ingredients are all together to progress well as a footballer personally and as a team.


"I know what I have at Arsenal and I don't know what I will have somewhere else. Sometimes of course players think about money but it is not the only thing to think about. At 23 I think you have many years in front of you to get money. The objective for me is not to get the big cash, it is to prove you can play at a high level for many years and the rest will come."

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