England

Arsene Wenger: Arshavin 'Very Down' After Russia Missed World Cup Qualification

Sympathetic Gunners boss expects Arshavin to bounce back from World Cup heart-break.

Nov 27, 2009 7:33:26 PM

CL:Andrei Arshavin, Arsenal v Standard Liege (Getty Images)

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CL:Andrei Arshavin, Arsenal v Standard Liege (Getty Images)

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has justified his decision to start Russian play-maker Andrey Arshavin from the bench in last week's unexpected loss to Sunderland, claiming his player's mental state was still severed from his nation's ill-fated World Cup qualifying play-off.

The Guus Hiddink-led Russia outfit was widely expected to qualify for South Africa 2010, but eventually lost the two-legged tie in the most frustrating of circumstances - the away goals rule - with the result adversely affecting Arsenal's star midfielder.

"He is very down," Wenger told the official club site.

"He came back from Slovenia very down and that’s the main reason I did not play him from the start against Sunderland.

He continued: "You want players to be 100 per cent focused, play a game like it’s life or death, and it is impossible not to be down if you don’t win."

Wenger showed sympathy for his tricky attacking utility, who'll be on the 'wrong side' of 30 when the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign approaches.

Adding: "If you care, you are down. Arshavin is Russia captain and he is 28. At the next World Cup he will be 33."

Despite of the player's sorrowing exertions, Wenger believes the usually cheeky Arshavin possesses the necessary character and mental strength needed to rouse a successful return to the first-team.

"He is a winner and strong mentally and when his back is to the wall he responds," he declared.

Concluding: "He is a tough boy. He is mentally okay, but he is down and is still disappointed for his country."

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