The German goalkeeper suggests there is a lack of a winning mentality in the team ahead of their Europa League semi-final match.
Arsenal are “often too nice on the pitch” says Bernd Leno as he calls on his teammate so show their “nastier” side.
Arsenal have all their hopes pinned on the Europa League amid a dismal Premier League campaign.
Sitting down low at 10th in the league table with 46 points from 33 games, the Gunners find themselves 12 points adrift of top-four.
Qualification for the Champions League next season for them rests on the Europa League semi-final against Villarreal, with the first leg to be played at Estadio de la Ceramica on Thursday night and the second leg a week later at the Emirates.
“We have to be a nastier team,” Leno told SportBild. “We all get on well, but we are often too nice on the pitch.
“Perhaps we are missing a proper ankle biter, someone who can take out opponents in games.
“We have to defend and fight for ourselves, we miss that. That is what separates the top teams.
“We are too nice. We have to get out of our comfort zone. Itβs not about the 11 of us being friends, but that we are successful.”
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Arsenal
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
