Szczesny keen to move on from defeat

05 March 2013 17:18

Arsenal will use the next 10 days to alter their mindset ahead of the trip to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, according to goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

The Gunners slumped to a frustrating 2-1 defeat at arch rivals Tottenham on Sunday in a match which they dominated for long spells, but were severely punished by two lapses in defensive focus just before half-time.

"Every time we lose a derby there is going to be disappointment, but we have to pick ourselves up. We have 10 days until the next game so we have to make sure we are prepared for that," the Poland goalkeeper told the club's official website, www.arsenal.com.

Arsenal have no FA Cup quarter-final tie to look forward to this weekend after they crashed out at home to npower Championship side Blackburn, with scheduled Barclays Premier League opponents Everton still in the competition.

So Arsene Wenger's battle-weary squad will at least have some extra time to prepare for what looks an impossible mission in Germany when they will attempt to overturn a 3-1 last-16 first-leg deficit.

The players were back at the club's Hertfordshire training complex on Tuesday as the group aim to refocus for the run-in, which Wenger accepts will provide a "massive challenge" if Arsenal are to somehow force their way back into the Champions League qualification places.

Szczesny added: "We have a lot of time to prepare for that game and if we manage to get a good result and hopefully qualify for the next round, that would be a massive boost to have a good run in the Champions League."

Much has been made of Arsenal's defensive shortcomings this season, with former Gunners centre-back Steve Bould stepping up into an assistant role alongside Wenger in the dugout.

German international Per Mertesacker, however, insists the team have it within themselves to rectify any tactical issues and said: "Of course there is potential, but we have to show that on the pitch.

"That is what is needed over the next few weeks: to go to Munich and take our chance there, then we have to take care of the league and go for all the points."

Source: PA