Gunners ‘need trophy to keep youth on side’ EUROPA OR NO-HOPERS
ARSENAL must win the Europa League to take the first steps back to former glories, says former defender Lauren.
The Gunners face Villarreal in tomorrow’s semi-final first leg, with Mikel Arteta head-to-head with ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery.
Arsenal are mid-table in the Premier League with the club at a crossroads and, according to Lauren, it is vital they get back into the Champions League by winning the Europa League.
Lauren, right, a member of Arsenal’s Invincibles, said: “The table says Arsenal are a long way behind, but the team in some periods play brilliant games, very good football and have some outstanding young players.
“Bukayo Saka is brilliant, Emile Smith Rowe can play any position. But those two and the other young players need other big players to fulfil their potential.
“If they want to catch up, they have to make a real effort to build in the long term with more top players. You can’t compete with Manchester City, Chelsea. If you want to win the league you have to fight with the same weapons.
“You need to play the Champions League every year, that will give you the ability to attract those players in order to win the league.
“We are one step behind Manchester City, Chelsea or even Liverpool. Unless you have the tools, you can’t win the league.”
Lauren enjoyed a glorious seven years at Arsenal, winning the Double, two Premier League titles and the FA Cup three times.
But he did not enjoy any European success. He was injured in the run to the 2006 Champions League final and says: “I would have swapped all my 50-odd games in the Champions League to play in the final. In my time at the club, we didn’t get past the quarter-final.”
Lauren, now a pundit for La Liga TV, has been doing his coaching badges in Spain and will complete his UEFA Pro Licence next.
But he cannot fathom why Emery did not succeed at Arsenal, saying: “Emery is a very good coach, did brilliantly with Sevilla.
“Villarreal are so well organised, but if Arsenal are at their best and the players are fit, I think they will win.”