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Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno says he always believed he was the club’s number one after a Carabao Cup performance that received praise from both Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp.
Emiliano Martínez impressed when he stepped in during Leno’s injury layoff last season, but was sold to Aston Villa this summer in a move that surprised many fans.
That decision brought attention back to Leno, but after a man of the match performance in a penalty shootout win over Liverpool, the German spoke of his enduring confidence in his credentials.
When asked if he had ever feared for his position, Leno said Sky sports: “No. I have never feared it. The club always gave me the feeling that I was number one, I am number one and I will be number one.”
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“That was always very good from the club, my job is to show it every week and I think I have done it again.
“It was a very tough match. We made some changes but you could see our philosophy, our intention to win the match. It’s a chance to win another trophy.
“Of course it is very good for a goalkeeper to stop on penalties and see smiling faces after the game, but I would prefer that next time he wins the game without a penalty shoot-out! When it happens, it is even better.”
Arteta’s faith in Leno
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Arteta admitted that it had been a difficult decision to sell Martinez, but believes Leno’s performance was more of a vindication.
“I really believe in Bernd. I know what he can give us.
“We have to adapt to the circumstances; we cannot do everything we want in the market and we have players with value.”
He added at his press conference: “We had two fantastic goalkeepers and they were both doing really well.
but we had to make decisions.
“I think it was a time when Emi needed the next step and financially it was an interesting proposition for us.
“We have to use the resources we have to strengthen the team. He (Leno) was a great help to move on to the next round.”
Klopp: I told Leno I was not happy with him!
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp felt his team deserved more than winning the match, but accepted his fate on penalties, although he admitted he had scolded his German compatriot in goal.
“I told him after the game, I wasn’t very happy about it!” said the former Borussia Dortmund boss.
“We had some really good moments. As a coach, I wish I could score, but I want to see us create.
“We showed quality, it just didn’t work out tonight and that’s completely fine. We’ll try again, I promise.
“Yeah, we could have been a little more clinical at the end, but Leno played a really good game.
“At the end of the penalty shoot-out, it’s luck and a lot of things, but Arsenal shot very well and we weren’t exactly the same and that’s why we lost.”
Redknapp’s praise for Arsenal
Jamie Redknapp to Sky Sports:
“Arsenal look much more defensively structured, much more organized.
“They are defending for their lives, the goalkeeper was exceptional and he has them working hard, they are all buying what Mikel Arteta wants.”
“I am very impressed with them and it is going to be a very good match against City. Arteta was smiling at the draw. They are good friends, but he still wants to win!”
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