Fabianski targets Szczesny duel
14 August 2012 19:11
Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is determined to improve and challenge team-mate Wojceich Szczesny for Arsenal's number one shirt this season.
Fabianski, 27, lost his place to his fellow Poland international after suffering an injury in January 2011 and has since struggled to regain his first-term berth, making just six appearances during the whole of the 2011/12 campaign.
However, the Poland international has declared he is ready to take on first-team responsibilities this term.
"It can change very quickly," Fabianski told the club's website.
"From my own experiences I know that, so I am ready to step up. I feel confident that I am able to be number one.
"I am very happy, I must say. I had a little problem with my shoulder, but so far everything has been going really well for me. I am happy with my fitness levels and the way I feel on the pitch.
"Pre-season is always a fresh start, and it is hard work for us. We have to do all of the running and gym work too, it's not like we just have to do just goalkeeping! It has been good work over the past few weeks."
Fabianski claimed the club's keepers are working particularly hard on their positioning in pre-season, and said he is looking to improve on how he deals with crosses.
"At the moment I would say we are especially focusing - particularly us goalkeepers - on positioning ourselves in certain situations," he said.
"I didn't have too many opportunities to play last season but I am always focused and looking to improve, especially dealing with crosses because I think that is really important for a goalkeeper."
