Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech admits that a lack of major silverware
made his first season at the Emirates Stadium “disappointing”.
The Czech Republic international joined from Chelsea last June and
helped the Gunners defeat his old club to win the Community Shield in
August.
However, Arsenal failed to add to that triumph, finishing second in
the Premier League behind Leicester City as well as suffering defeat in
the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup to Barcelona, Watford and
Sheffield Wednesday respectively.
And Cech is hopeful Arsenal can mount a better challenge for
major honours in 2016-17 in order to put his barren first term behind
him.
“We were disappointed,” he told Sky Sports. “We thought that
we were good enough to challenge for the title and to be in the title
race until the last game. Unfortunately, Leicester did remarkably well
and it was a historical achievement for them.
“We couldn’t match them but we finished second which was the best
finish for Arsenal for a long time. There were a lot of positives from
our last campaign but obviously we would like to carry that on and
improve for the next season because we finished empty-handed and that is
not what we wanted.
“We started well with the Community Shield but obviously you want to
add some important trophies to that. The aim for the next season is to
add some silverware to the cabinet and we will definitely work for
that.”
Arsenal face Liverpool in a daunting opening fixture of the new
season, but Cech is relishing the prospect of meeting a potential rival
on day one of what looks set to be a hotly-contested title race.
“It’s great to really have a test in the first game and then you can
kick on your season if you start it the right way,” said the
34-year-old.
“Liverpool will be one of those teams who will want to challenge for
the title, having played well with Jurgen Klopp after his arrival.
“We expect a big challenge because [Manchester] United have been
improving their squad, they’ve changed their manager and they’ll be
hungry for success.
“Manchester City with their new manager will do the same thing and
let’s not forget Liverpool and Spurs and us, I think it will be a very
exciting season and will be very challenging for many reasons. Chelsea
will definitely be there with Antonio Conte.
“We’re in for an exciting season.”