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‘We need a good start and to believe’

Freddie Ljungberg

Freddie Ljungberg has stressed the importance of Arsenal making a strong start and keeping their belief ahead of the new season.

The former Gunner won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups during a glittering nine-year spell at the club.

Ljungberg is now a coach in the Arsenal academy and, speaking on a promotional tour to Sydney, he expressed his confidence that the team will compete for the title.

“We have a good squad and a good foundation,” he said. “We need to have a good start to the season, keep playing as a team as we always do and believe in Arsene and each other.

“We are a big club and have a great team, so we always have a chance of winning the Premier League.

“It was a bit of a Cinderella story for Leicester to win it [last season], nobody thought they would last to the end and I don’t think it’s going to happen again.

“I’m good friends with some people there and I congratulated them, I think they did great - but let’s hope it’s our turn this season.”

Arsenal kick off their pre-season campaign with a friendly against Lens on Friday, and Ljungberg says this is an important period for the players.

“The main thing in pre-season is to run a lot to get fit, and then play at 100 per cent to avoid injury - that’s the key,” he said.

“It’s also a great opportunity as you need people to bond and learn to know each other a little bit more.

“You’re not just training and shooting home, you can spend some time together, get a coffee maybe. I think it’s really good for team spirit and bonding.”

 

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