Senderos warns Blues to expect Gunners backlash
Senderos is rapidly emerging as one of Arsene Wenger’s famous cut-price bargains, having been signed for a relatively small but undisclosed fee from Swiss club Servette in July 2003.
And with fellow youngsters Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Gael Clichy and Mathieu Flamini having all similarly matured this season, he insists Chelsea’s riches will not necessarily ensure them back-to-back titles.
“Chelsea have been consistent and have done very well this season, but we’ve shown there is not a big gap between the two teams,” he declared.
“Next season, we are going to continue to work hard and show that we are one of the best teams in England - if not the best.
“Money doesn’t play football. You have to show it on the pitch and be consistent all season.
“They can buy how many players they want next season, there could be another team for Chelsea.
“But I don’t think the money will play on the pitch.
“The teams will do that and our spirit will show everyone that our team is there.
“We’ve shown that we’ve got great character and quality, and we have to keep that going to the end of the season.”
The Gunners managed to postpone Chelsea’s title celebrations as they refused to surrender their trophy without a fight at Stamford Bridge.
And Senderos’ emergence over the past couple of months has ensured that Arsenal have not even missed Sol Campbell, with just one goal conceded in the past nine games - in a 4-1 win at Norwich.
Indeed, while defensive problems effectively cost them the title earlier in the season, with the side too vulnerable in the air in the absences of Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva, they are finishing the season strongly.
So much so, that while the title is effectively beyond them, Wenger has a tough selection decision to make over when to recall Campbell, who is fit again after a persistent ankle problem.
Senderos and Kolo Toure do not deserve to be dropped, with Wenger having taken his time in reintroducing Campbell to the squad, but next Monday’s game against his former club Spurs could be the perfect moment for him to return.
Senderos has nevertheless not yet given up hope of retaining his place for the FA Cup final against Manchester United next month.
“The coach gave me confidence by playing me at Chelsea and we showed that we are strong defensively. You always get more confidence when you are playing,” added the 20-year-old Swiss international. But I have to keep my feet on the ground.
“I’ve been playing well and the team has been doing well, which helps me, but now Sol Campbell is coming back and there is competition. We will have to fight for our places.
“That’s football. As for the FA Cup final, I will work hard to show I can be ready for that.”
Wenger has been impressed with his new discovery, who was injured for all of last season and understandably took time to find his feet again at the start of this campaign.
“I could have played Sol against Chelsea if I’d been in a position where I’d had to, but he was still a bit short with his competitiveness, so it’s great to have three great centre-backs,” revealed the Arsenal boss.
“The younger players, like Fabregas, who was outstanding in the first-half against Chelsea, Senderos, Gael Clichy and van Persie, have all learned a lot this season.”
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