As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Giroud understands Arsenal fans' frustrations: Chelsea have higher expectations

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud says he can understand Arsenal fans' frustration with owner Stan Kroenke.

On Monday, a group of 16 prominent supporters' groups and bloggers signed a letter calling on Gunners owner Stan Kroenke to "reinvigorate" the club.

Giroud expressed sympathy - "I can understand the fans" - and said there is perhaps a difference in mindset between his previous and current employers.

"With Arsenal it was difficult to fight for the title. We were always fighting for the Champions League places," he told BBC Sport. "I won a few FA Cups and Community Shields. When you can't win the league, winning the FA Cup is quite nice, so I've got amazing memories.

"Chelsea is a club where you have maybe more expectations, higher expectations. They were winning more titles these past 10 years and obviously Arsenal wants to come back to the 'Invincibles' days, but it's not easy.

"I'm not going to say we are doing things better at Chelsea. We just try to be as competitive as we can, to step up and win more trophies."

When asked if it could be a mentality issue, Giroud replied: "Maybe.

"In football, for me, it's two-thirds of the quality you need to have. I've seen so many talented players - but without mental strength they can't step up and get out of their comfort zone. Mental strength is massive in football and sport in general."

Video of the day:

About the author

Paul Vegas

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free