Rosicky - Don't write us off

Rosicky: Still confident

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Tomas Rosicky has played down fears that Arsenal may not be such a force in the Premier League following a number of high-profile departures.

Mathieu Flamini left Emirates Stadium at the end of last season and Alexander Hleb and Gilberto Silva have both followed in recent weeks.

There has also been speculation over the future of Emmanuel Adebayor and Cesc Fabregas, but Rosicky is not worried by the situation.

The Czech Republic international trusts Arsene Wenger in the transfer market and is confident that Arsenal will be able to mount a strong challenge, just as they did last season after Thierry Henry's exit.

"It is something similar to the last season, when everybody was writing us off," Rosicky told deniksport.cz.

"Now, it will be the same. Some players have left but I trust the coach over this.

"He knows what he is doing. Personally, my ambitions are not smaller and I think this counts for the rest of the team.

"Definitely it was an excellent midfield and it is a pity that we have not remained together as we were attuned on the same tune.

"On the other hand, if the guys wanted to leave, it is only their decision."

Diaby backing

Samir Nasri has arrived this summer and is expected to fill Hleb's role, but Rosicky does not expect Wenger to sign a replacement for holding midfielder Flamini.

Rosicky believes Abou Diaby could be entrusted with the key role and he has tipped the Frenchman to make a big impact this season.

"I don't know if the coach will bring someone in," said Rosicky.

"I think that Diaby will be given a big chance to play often in Flamini's position. He was playing on the left when I was injured, but he is more a centre midfielder, the same type like Patrick Vieira.

"I expect a lot from him as I know from training that it is difficult to play against him. He has long legs and really is very similar to Vieira. In my opinion, he is able to do very well."