Petr Cech has suggested that Arsenal’s season will be a “big disappointment” if they miss out on Champions League qualification – even with FA Cup glory.
Arsenal have endured an awful run since mid-December, falling out of the Premier League title race and into seventh place.
Manager Arsene Wenger has faced unprecedented criticism and looks set to miss out on a top-four place for the first time in his Gunners tenure, though could still end the season with silverware.
Indeed, Wenger is aiming to become the first man in FA Cup history to win the competition seven times, with Arsenal facing fierce rivals Chelsea in May’s final.
Following Sunday’s semi-final victory over Manchester City, goalkeeper Cech has spoken of his excitement for a “special” game against his former club, though has outlined a difficult Premier League target for his teammates.
As reported by the Independent, Cech said of Arsenal’s seven remaining Premier League fixtures: “We need to make sure we win every game, and that the effort, focus and determination will be the same [as against City].
“I think we are going to be under pressure in every game now. Because the position we are in in the league now, there’s no other option.
“The FA Cup is at the end of the season so there will be a lot of games before we play the FA Cup. Our target is to finish as high as possible. If you don’t quality for the Champions League it will obviously be a big loss and a big disappointment.
“It is going to be special [to face Chelsea]. Every FA Cup final is special in itself and it’s against a team I had a huge
success with and spent so many wonderful years. Hopefully I will be the one celebrating.”
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