Friday 5 September 2014 15:33, UK
Wojciech Szczesny says David Ospina is not his 'friend' so there is no reason to feel sorry for him stuck on the bench.
Arsenal’s number one admits to having enjoyed a friendly rivalry with fellow Poland international Lukasz Fabianksi prior to his summer departure for Swansea City, with the pair having spent several years working together at Emirates Stadium.
That bond is yet to be established with Ospina as the Colombian shot-stopper only completed a switch from French side Nice in July.
The 26-year-old will provide stiff competition for a starting berth under Arsene Wenger, but it is Szczesny who is in charge of the gloves for now.
In a sporting sense, he is a suitable player at a suitable club. But it’s easier for me just in one aspect: I do not feel sorry for him.
He has no intention of surrendering that position and intends to keep the latest challenger to his jersey firmly lodged on the sidelines.
Sczesny told Polish newspaper Przeglad Sportowy: “I feel confident of being No.1 but I know I can’t let myself play a few bad games.
“I know Ospina’s ambitions don’t end at sitting on the bench and clapping his hands while watching me play.
“He is a nice guy. In a sporting sense, he is a suitable player at a suitable club. But it’s easier for me just in one aspect: I do not feel sorry for him.
“I do not think ‘he’s my friend’ as I thought about Fabian. I was convinced Lukasz deserved to play, but not at my expense.”
Szczesny is aware that he faces many challenges in his efforts to nail down a regular role, with last season’s winner of the Premier League Golden Glove - after keeping 16 clean sheets - still waiting on his first domestic shut-out of the new campaign.
He added: “When I look at the strikers in the Premier League, I wonder when the first one will be.
“After three games it wasn’t possible.
“The power of our opponents is amazing, this season everything can happen.
“But when I have a bad day I look at the Golden Glove award and I feel better straight away.”
