Mikel Arteta admits it hurt seeing the Champions League begin without Arsenal involved, after the Gunners failed to qualify for any European competition, via football.london.
The Emirates Stadium natives endured disastrous periods last season and ended the term eighth in the Premier League table. They finished one-point behind north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who clinched England’s only place in the Europa Conference League.
Finishing eighth, six-points outside the Champions League places and four from the Europa League spots, also meant Arsenal failed to qualify for any UEFA competition for the first time in 25-years. They had featured one way or another every year prior since 1995/96.
Arteta wants to get Arsenal back into European contention this season, but has started the season poorly. The Gunners claimed their first win of the league campaign against Norwich City last weekend, following three-straight defeats without scoring.
Arsenal visit another early-struggling side, Burnley, on Saturday looking to move clear of the relegation zone. Arteta, however, has eyes much further down the road with the pain of the Champions League starting without his side fuelling his determination to return.
“It hurts a lot,” the Spaniard said. “In the last few days, it was hurting to put the TV on and see those teams there and not see Arsenal there. It was painful.”
Arteta added: “100 per cent, yeah [it is motivation to get back]. I don’t want to be sitting there with Arsenal out of those competitions. We have the focus, and the trigger is there.”
Can Arteta guide Arsenal back into Europe this season?
Arsenal have left themselves with a challenging road ahead to qualify for Europe under Arteta this season. They already trail the top-four by seven-points after only four games and, at best, can end the weekend in ninth.
Arteta has also overseen the top-flight’s fourth-worst start defensively with nine goals conceded – five of which Manchester City scored. Only Newcastle United (12), Leeds (11) and Norwich (11) – who Arsenal beat 1-0 – have shipped more so far.
The Gunners will have to improve their attacking output, too, with only one goal to show after four games. So, Arteta will have to turn the pain of watching another Champions League without Arsenal into the fuel that fires them on, if they are to qualify this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
