Arsenal defender Johan Djourou has admitted the past season was at times a personal struggle, but is eager to repay the club's supporters

"We need to get better, get stronger, and really prepare well for next season. " 

Johan Djourou on Arsenal's season preparation Quotes of the week

The 24-year-old, who played in Switzerland's 2-2 draw with England at Wembley on Saturday, was a key member of the Gunners' defence last term, despite missing almost the whole of the previous season through injury.

Djourou conceded that whilst enjoying playing regular football again for the past campaign, the team's trophyless end to the season was not good enough and something that had to be resolved.

"For the team, it was difficult because we were playing for so many trophies at the same time and we were so close to getting one," he said.

"Last season, I didn't play a game and to play so many games and have a good season, I was happy.

"Obviously, now we want to do better as a team and as individuals to get something.

"I think that the fans deserve and the manager deserves something.

"We need to get better, get stronger, and really prepare well for next season."

The coming summer is one that could see an overhaul of players at the Emirates Stadium, with supporters growing restless at Wenger's insistence on bringing through young talent rather than spending on new players.

Scott Parker, Alex Chamberlain and Peter Odemwingie have all been linked with a move to North London and Djourou, while insisting that he knows nothing of potential signings, believes extra competition would be beneficial to the club.

"I don't know - that's for the manager to answer," he responded, when asked about the summer plans.

Competition

"I think competition is always good. That pushes you in your position.

"When you want to make a team better, you have to have a good squad.

"I think that we had a good squad but if players with experience or different players can bring quality, they're welcome."

Despite giving away a penalty for a foul on Arsenal team-mate Jack Wilshere that led to the score becoming 2-1 in the first half, Djourou gave a solid performance at Wembley to earn a good point for the Swiss.

England reaction

"We weren't overconfident because we knew that the English have great qualities and when you play such a great team, you know that, 2-0 up, it's not finished," he said.

"They showed that in the second half and they came at us really well.

"I think we can be proud of ourselves.

"We came here to Wembley and played and I think that not many teams have done that before.

"We gave them a lot of trouble by playing the ball, and that's something new for us because, before, we were struggling to make a few passes.

"We made a few mistakes on the goals that we lost, cheap goals, but that's football and you have to take those risks to get better."

"Jack will give me stick because of the penalty, of course.

"I had to make the tackle because I thought I could get the ball, but he played well and he got the penalty.

"Overall, I think Switzerland did well and ultimately we could've won the game.

"But it was just a bit of a pity at the end."

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