Sunday Mirror

EM Bellerin: Unai has all the players backing his vision... Everyone at club trusts in him to turn this around

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the board sign a manager like Unai, they know it’s all part of a process.

“He has his own ideas – and he’s done so well at Sevilla, Valencia and Paris Saint- Germain that everyone trusts in the manager.”

Much of the criticism for Emery is over a perceived lack of improvemen­t on the pitch since he succeeded Arsene Wenger 15 months ago.

The Gunners defence is still dodgy. They struggle on their travels, and are still miles off being title challenger­s.

But Bellerin, one of Arsenal’s five captains, added: “If you take away the last three games from last year, it would have been a very positive season.

“Sometimes things don’t go your way – as on Thursday when we’re 2-1 down with 10 minutes to go. But it’s about turning it around and showing character. We have that at the club.”

As for his battle to regain his place in Emery’s Premier League line-up after eight months out with a cruciate injury, Bellerin has declared himself ready.

Admitting there was plenty of personal despair at being sidelined so long, the Gunners ace still found some positives amid a nightmare situation.

Bellerin, who has started the last two Europa League games, said: “These kinds of injuries are not just about making sure the knee is solid. It’s about getting confidence back on the pitch.

“You need to get used to the traffic again, getting kicked and stuff. Sometimes being thrown into games is the best remedy. I hope the manager feels the same.

“When you are stopped from doing something you love so much, there’s nothing worse.

“But I had distractio­ns – like living at home for two months. Although I was on the sofa and couldn’t move, it was a long time since I’d enjoyed my friends and family. If life takes things from you, it can give you other positives.

“It’s always important to look on the bright side.”

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