• Premier League

Hitzfeld tells Djourou to leave Arsenal

ESPN staff
May 27, 2012
Johan Djourou's season was characterised by inconsistency © PA Photos
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Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has urged centre-back Johan Djourou to consider his Arsenal future if he wants to continue to be a part of the national team set-up.

Djourou, 25, made just 14 Premier League starts in 2011-12 and was often criticised when he did play, with his display in the 8-2 defeat to Manchester United standing out as a particularly abject showing.

The Swiss defender's form has also been a concern for his international boss, though Hitzfeld is convinced Djourou's inconsistency is down to a lack of regular playing time at Emirates Stadium.

And he believes a move may be in order if Djourou is to continue playing for Switzerland in their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

"For Djourou, the question arises of a transfer," Hitzfeld is quoted as saying by RTS Sport. "If he wants to be selected, he must have some game time in the club. This is not the case at Arsenal."

Despite his struggles, Djourou signed a contract extension in February that keeps him at Arsenal until 2015 and looks set to continue battling out with Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker for a starting berth.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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