Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno thinks the players are responsible for their poor form, and not the coaches.
A disappointing start to the season led to the dismissal of head coach Unai Emery in November, while interim replacement Freddie Ljungberg has won just one of his five games in charge.
Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat at home to Manchester City was their heaviest of the season, being the first time they have conceded three goals in a league game since April, and Leno admits it should make the squad look in the mirror at their shortcomings.
“After four or five minutes the game was done,” he told Sky Sports. “I think in the first half we deserved this result.
“In the second half we couldn’t touch the ball and also couldn’t create the chances.
“At the moment we have to say there is a gap between these teams. We have the quality but when you see the games we miss intensity, we are not fresh in our minds.
“It is good we have a week to work a little bit and speak about this situation, we have to change something in our minds.”
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The identity of Arsenal’s next permanent manager is still unclear, with potential candidate Mikel Arteta in attendance at the game as a member of Man City’s coaching staff.
And Leno admits it would be helpful to know who their next coach will be, even if it is not up to the players to have an input on the decision.
“It’s good to know what is in the future or in the next weeks but that is not our job – it is the job of the club. We accept Freddie, he is doing a good job.
“I don’t think the manager is the problem, everyone has to look at himself and be honest at himself. If everyone was giving everything today – I think the mentality is the main thing.”