Wilshere: It's a big season for Arsenal

Posted Friday, July 12, 2013 by YAHOO Sport

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere expects "a big season" from his side as it looks to exploit the transition periods under way at many of its Premier League rivals.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all changed their managers this summer and the 21-year-old believes that keeping faith with Arsene Wenger by contrast will be a boost to the Gunners.

"It's a big season ahead for us," Wilshere told Sports Illustrated. "A few of the other big teams have changed managers this season and we've got a manager who has been there a long time. He knows the league, so it's a big season for us, hopefully we can push on. We haven't won a trophy in seven or eight years.

"The fans are starting to realize that and we're feeling the pressure and we have to step up."

Wilshere is well aware, however, of the need for a deep squad if they are to win trohpies, with the Gunners yet to reinforce this summer beyond young striker Yaya Sanogo, but feels that they are close.

Asked if Arsenal is ready to challenge for the title, he replied, "I think we [are]. It's all about in England, the season's so long, you need a good squad, a strong squad. We could maybe add a few more players that when we're getting tired we can change things up."

The English international said the key to success lies in a roster large enough to handle the rigors of a long season.

"You look at the good teams, the big teams like Manchester United, who have won the league," he said. "They can do that regularly. I think that's a big thing in England. You have to have a big squad."

With World Cup qualifiers coming up in September, as well as Arsenal's long season, Wilshere sees it as imperative to get a good preseason under his belt.

"For the last few seasons I've missed preseason and that's important in English football," he observed. "It's important you get a good pre-season and you build your fitness up because, if you don't, you're just playing catch-up.

"So hopefully this year I can get a good pre-season in and then stay fit in the season and get some games under my belt and then take that into the international stage."