Steve Gatting spoke to Arsenal.com after an Arsenal XI side lost 5-1 to Colchester United on Tuesday night. Below is a full transcript of the interview:
on a disappointing performance…
It's been a tough pre-season for us really. We've played in games where we've conceded plenty of goals through having a young side and a young defence especially. Perhaps we haven't done ourselves justice.
on conceding goals throughout pre-season…
A lot of it is inexperience. The boys are learning the game and at times we've had three first year scholars playing, and Ramy Bensebaini who cannot speak English. It's not been easy, but that's not making excuses. It's been a harsh pre-season for some of the boys.
on learning lessons…
I'd prefer to do it now than when the season starts. As long as we stick together and keep positive about the losses and learn from them, we can put them right.
on improving after the break…
Credit to the boys - we had 10 men and it was probably the best we played in the whole match. We had a bit more urgency with 10 men than with 11. We showed that we could create chances.
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