Gilberto: It's hard on bench

Brazilian midfielder waiting for Arsenal chance

By Andrew Scurr   Last updated: 4th October 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Gilberto: It's hard on bench

Gilberto: Frustrated

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Gilberto admits he is enduring the most frustrating time in his Arsenal career after losing his starting place.

The Brazilian has started just four games this season due to excellent performances from Cesc Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini.

Gilberto joined The Gunners late in pre-season after competing in the Copa America and has been unable to re-establish himself in Arsene Wenger's first-choice XI.

The midfielder accepts he must bide his time for a chance to impress but has revealed he is finding it tough on the bench.

"Yes, it has been so frustrating," Gilberto told the club's official website.

Respect

"I am on the bench not because of my quality or something like that but because I came back late. It is so hard.

"The only thing I need to do is do my job, respect the manager's decision, respect the other players and the way they play at the moment.

"Of course, when I have the opportunity I want to do the best I can for the team like I have done but it's a slight difference compared to other years.

"It is the first time I haven't been in the team. I confess to you it has been so hard for me.

"Of course I want to come back and play again in my position in central midfield. But you need to respect that Mathieu and Cesc are playing very well.

"It is visible to everybody and I need to respect the manager's decision. I will do my best to return to the team. I will see in the next few games what will happen."