Arsenal fans tell Ljungberg to focus on staying up rather than finishing in top four as he targets Champions League spot
FREDDIE LJUNGBERG has told Arsenal not to give up on qualifying for the Champions League this year - with fans more worried about survival.
Ahead of Monday night's trip to West Ham, the Swede struck an optimistic tone that some have called "deluded".
He told reporters: "I don't think we should stop talking about the Champions League.
"I believe 100 per cent that I can turn this situation around. I wouldn't be here otherwise."
The interim boss evidently did not tap into the Gooner zeitgeist as fans on social media responded with far lower expectations.
Twitter user Cathal wrote: "He's deluded."
Another fan, AJ, added: "Let's be realistic... Arsenal can't get into the top-four not this season."
While Morgan commented: "Top half is the target now surely."
And one fan even remarked: "Let’s focus on avoiding relegation first before talking about top-four."
Ljungberg has stated that the academy prospects brought through by Unai Emery may have to take a backseat in the coming weeks.
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With Arsenal failing to win in their last nine, the coach wants his big name players to carry the burden when they take on West Ham.
He added: "When we are in such a difficult position I want to use the experienced players.
"It's not the right time to put in all the young players who are going to be the future of this club.
"We need the big players to step up to the occasion at West Ham and do something about this downward spiral that we are on."