Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny says last season's axing has made him a better player.
Szczesny responded by going into training early to work on his game and convince Arsene Wenger that he is still Arsenal's No.1.
"It was obviously tough to lose my place, but it was a very good lesson for me," said Szczesny. "One I needed at the time.
"Looking back, it was a not a very good time for me. But when you have been in the job for as long as the manager, you know what to do and I have learned from it, come back stronger and now I'm feeling good.
"I felt more pressure. More desire to give it an extra 10 per cent in training, to turn up early and to show the manager that I deserve to be back in goal. That extra 10 per cent made all the difference.
"I have never grown complacent and I have pressure from two fantastic goalkeepers.
"They try their hardest in training and keep me on my toes. I feel pressure at all times, but am I ever worried about anyone else coming in? Not really. I will always give it a right go to be No. 1."
