Skip to content

Arsene Wenger says Shkodran Mustafi confidence at Arsenal is low

Shkodran Mustafi
Image: Arsene Wenger says tiredness caused Shkodran Mustafi's errors

Arsene Wenger says Shkodran Mustafi is suffering from a crisis of confidence but has backed the defender to recover and enjoy a long career at Arsenal.

Wenger, who announced on Friday that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season, will hope to begin his farewell with victory over West Ham on Super Sunday.

The Premier League is a much bigger priority for the struggling Hammers than it is for Arsenal - who have all-but missed out on the top four for a second season in succession.

Live Nissan Super Sunday

That is largely down to their away form, with defeat at Newcastle last weekend leaving the Gunners with just three league wins on the road all season and no points taken away from the Emirates since the turn of the year.

Mustafi was at fault for Newcastle's opener and has made several mistakes this season that have seen him come in for criticism.

Wenger Mustafi
Image: Wenger greets Mustafi at training after announcing he is set to leave

When asked if there was a problem with his centre-back, Wenger said: "His confidence is lower. He has played many games and most of the mistakes he made have been post-Europa League games because he was a bit jaded.

"On that front that is part of the fatigue factor which would be the explanation why he had some less good games.

Also See:

"We are in a job where we can't demand that people, when you make mistakes, say that it's absolutely wonderful. That's part of Arsenal. Like me when I lose games, I have to accept that."

Mustafi joined for a fee in excess of £30m in 2016 but reportedly came close to leaving for Serie A last summer before the decision was taken to retain his services.

Mustafi
Image: Wenger insists Mustafi can have a long future at the Emirates

Wenger insists the 25-year-old was never likely to leave and backed him to be at the club for the foreseeable future.

"He wasn't close [to leaving]. He is a young defender who has had ups and downs. I believe overall he has potential. He is one of the guys who is committed and goes for the challenges.

"He is not one guy who hides from the responsibility, so overall he will be a promising defender for the future. Experience helps.

"In this job, goalkeeper and central defender is a job for old people or older people. So overall that plays a part of course."

Play Super 6 for £250k
Play Super 6 for £250k

Could you be the next Super 6 jackpot winner? Enter your predictions for free here.

Around Sky