Per Mertesacker says the international break will not have a negative effect on Arsenal’s rhythm.
The Gunners are on a superb run of 14 wins in 16 matches and are top of the Premier League form table ahead of Saturday’s clash against Liverpool, but they have been denied victory in their last three games following international duty.
“It’s a good break to switch off mentally but to find the form again and the rhythm is the next step after a couple of days’ break,” Mertesacker told Arsenal Player.
"We closed the gap between us and Manchester City, so now we try to create some space between us and the teams below us"
Per Mertesacker
“The training was really intensive and that is really good for you to realise that you are back on track, and that a really important game is coming up.
“The focus is on training and to realise that we are back in the Premier League - it makes you feel much better and much more focused.
“It is still very tight and we want to compete for that secure Champions League spot,” the World Cup winner added. “We closed the gap between us and Manchester City, so now we try to create some space between us and the teams below us.
“It’s always a big battle. Let’s really focus on ourselves, continue our great run and, as we’ve done in recent years, ensure that we always finish strong. That gives yourself confidence and the respect from the other teams to do it again and again.”
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