Arsenal's Bernd Leno has revealed how he overcame a tough start to life in north London to become the club's No 1 goalkeeper.
Leno played second fiddle to veteran stopper Petr Cech at the start of the season following his £20million move from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
He only featured in Europa League and League Cup matches until Cech picked up an injury against Watford on September 29.
And speaking to DAZN DACH, Leno explained how he overcame his difficult Arsenal start.
'It was a hard time,' Leno told DAZN DACH. 'I think goalkeeper is a special position because as a striker you can come on for the last 20 minutes but a goalkeeper you don't change too much, so it was a very tough time.
'But the manager and the goalkeeper coach both told me to stay calm and focus on training. I played some games in the Europa League and Carabao Cup and it was good to have these games to improve and get a feeling for the defence.
'It was also good for my team-mates because when you come to another club and another country, everything is new. I started a little bit later in pre-season as well and everything is just a little bit bigger.
'So it was maybe good to learn and to see in training and also get confidence with your team-mates. In the end it was maybe not too bad to first be second choice in the Premier League.'
Noel555
62
Lol it takes only 3 months from hated to loved nowadays Leno was never hated lmao, Xhaka Iwobi sure but not Leno. Who hated him you melt? Didn’t know anyone hated him? News to me Anyone who judged their opinion on him in the 1st few games he played with us is a nob anyway
faxing
58
Leno has made 3 WC saves in the last two games he has played, minimum. He has been an incredibly good buy and easily worth 12 points at least with games left to play. He was at one point the only thing holding Arsenal's unbeaten run together.
Footballfor
40
One of the best value for money signings last summer. And no Gerry Peyton to ruin him.