Mertesacker: We have the characters to succeed

Defender Per Mertesacker says the Arsenal have the characters in the dressing room to be successful this season.

The Gunners are second in the Premier League table and in a good position to mount a title challenge heading into the New Year.

Vice-skipper Mertesacker has captained the side regularly this season with Mikel Arteta spending a lot of the season out of the side.

The big German says the players are all committed to the cause and hailed the excellent blend of personalities in the Arsenal squad.

“It’s not about me or anyone else, it’s about the club,” he told arsenal.com. “We want to dedicate our lives to that club, and that means more to me than just performing well individually.

“I think there are characters in the squad that just take care of their game and try not to lose energy, which is what you need.

“You always have different types of characters but my personal approach was always that I would feel good if things were put in place, were planned and were organised. I try to communicate well on and off the pitch so the lads know that when I say something it’s honest and it’s the truth.

“Everyone has their own personality and brings something to the team. Our dressing room is really lively.

“We have different characters and the young, talented players sometimes look up to the more experienced guys. In that case, I have a role to play.

“I do it in an honest way. Things that I learnt and grabbed during my career that I think are important would include being genuine to all the lads and treating everyone equally and differently.

“That’s something I try to do in the dressing room. There’s no hidden secret – I just try to contribute.”