Islington Sports - Judge Arsenal on football, says Samir Nasri

Published: 23 April, 2010
by STEVE BARNETT

MIDFIELDER Samir Nasri believes people should stop judging Arsenal on whether or not they win trophies.
The French international is adamant the Gunners are getting unnecessary criticism this season just because they are going to end the campaign empty-handed.
The 22-year-old insists the team deserve more credit for the way they play football, and that manager Arsene Wenger deserves praise for his management style.
“It is annoying. The work we do is not getting the credit it deserves because we are not winning silverware,” Nasri told the official Arsenal magazine.
“It is unfair because I think we have more merit as a club than those who have built their teams with millions of pounds, whereas Arsenal have brought in young footballers who have come here to play a certain kind of football and who have developed.
“This season has proved that we have everything to compete and we have learned so much.”
Looking ahead, Nasri added: “I am hoping our squad will stay unchanged because we are really good and with a year more experience, we can achieve some great things next season. Injuries happen and it is part of football, but I think if we had not had those injuries we would be top of the Premier League and still in the Champions League. Our injuries are always serious. They are never small muscular problems, and that gives more credit to our season.”
Not only is Nasri keen to see the Arsenal squad stay together but he also has a view on who would strengthen the team. Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh is being tipped to join the Gunners in the summer, and it’s a move that excites Nasri. He added: “It would be a great signing for us. He is a player that I really like. Chamakh plays for the team, gives everything and works hard. He has big potential and would fit perfectly in our team.”