Arsenal: Defiant Per Mertesacker shows how future must be handled

Per Mertesacker was resolute in his post-match interview after the FA Cup final, showing how Arsenal must handle their uncertain future: defiance.

The present is a truly wonderful moment for Arsenal. After a season littered with despair and disappointment, the Gunners were able to bring an element of joy and happiness, lifting their third FA Cup in just four years, overcoming Premier League winners Chelsea in the process.

However, while I hate to be the bearer of bad news when the atmosphere is so uplifting and bright, but despite the present being a delight, there is still a worryingly uncertain future ahead for this club, a future that is fraught with danger and lacking hope and optimism.

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That is why Per Mertesacker’s comments after the win are so refreshing. The German was drafted into the starting line-up having not started a game all season long, and playing just 37 fairly relaxed minutes against Everton last weekend, with a myriad of injury and suspension issues tying Arsene Wenger’s hands behind his back. But his performance was phenomenal, even amid such intense scrutiny, questioning and doubt. And when asked about answering his critics, Mertesacker showed a resoluteness in his response:

"“I expect myself to perform at that level every single week. I don’t know if I’m capable but I’ve done it for 15 years. The more people that write me off, the stronger I get. That’s my feeling. I think we have shown great support in him (Wenger) as well and for his trust in us. We have shown with that performance, it’s a statement.”"

That is the mental state that Arsenal must tackle their future with: defiance. I expect Wenger to stay with the club, as most reports have suggested is likely, and as such, there will be a new wave of vilification and criticism of the club, Wenger, the players and the board. To achieve success amid such a potentially toxic and down-heartening atmosphere, Wenger must create a ‘backs-against-the-walls’ mentality within the dressing room.

It is something that Jose Mourinho, throughout his career at all of the many clubs he has managed at, has been able to do with great effect. He gives the players confidence through their rebellion of the public and the media’s perspective of them.

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In the middle of his comments, Mertesacker stated: ‘the more people that write me off, the stronger I get.’ That is the attitude that this club must embody if Wenger is to stay and achieve what is expected and hoped of him.

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