Former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna advises Kieran Tierney to fight for his place in Arteta’s line-up, stressing the importance of perseverance.

• Bacary Sagna urges Kieran Tierney to fight for his place in Arsenal’s starting line-up despite facing competition from Oleksandr Zinchenko.
• Sagna emphasises the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone in order to grow as a player and not giving up.
• The former Arsenal defender reflects on his own career decisions, highlighting the benefits of playing in a competitive environment.

Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has offered some valuable advice to Kieran Tierney, urging the Scottish international to persevere and fight for his place in Mikel Arteta’s starting line-up.

The seasoned right-back, who spent seven successful years at the Emirates, understands the challenges faced by Tierney in the current Arsenal set-up.

This season, the Gunners’ preferred choice for left-back has been Oleksandr Zinchenko, who joined the North London side from Manchester City last summer.

As a result, Tierney, who signed with Arsenal from Celtic in 2019, has found himself relegated to the bench, the most recent example being Arsenal’s 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday, which saw the team’s lead drop to two points in the Premier League.

In an interview with SportingPost, Sagna empathised with Tierney’s situation, recalling his own experience under Arsène Wenger. The Frenchman, however, believes that the key to winning Arteta’s trust and securing a spot on the team lies in determination and mental fortitude.

“I wouldn’t leave the club. He needs to fight to play and come back into the manager’s plan. He is part of what’s becoming one of the best clubs in England, so where is he going to go?” Sagna stated.

The former Arsenal favourite went on to emphasise the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone in order to grow as a player. In Tierney’s case, Sagna believes that now is the time for the Scottish left-back to prove his worth and not simply give up.

“Of course you want to be able to play but sometimes you need to be out of your comfort zone, and he’s out of his comfort zone now. So it’s time to fight, not just leave and give up.”

Sagna also reflected on his own career decisions, sharing his thoughts on the importance of playing in a competitive environment that challenges a player to perform at their best.

“What’s the point of going somewhere where you know that you’re going to start no matter what, and you’re going to play – you’re not going to progress in that environment. I had the same choice when I left Arsenal, because I was playing in a comfortable position.”

Tierney’s future at Arsenal remains uncertain as rumours of a potential exit continue to circulate.

However, with the guidance and support of former players like Bacary Sagna, the young left-back may yet find the resolve to stay and fight for his place in the squad.

Only time will tell if Tierney will heed Sagna’s advice and become a regular fixture in Arteta’s Arsenal line-up.