Arsenal star Caldentey on the season so far and her future goals at the club | OneFootball

Mariona Caldentey believes Arsenal have a target on their backs after last season’s Champions League triumph.

The Ballon d’Or runner up played a pivotal role as the Gunners won last season’s competition but Renee Slegers’ side have had a mixed start to this campaign, winning only four of their opening nine league games.

“I think it’s hard to be at that high level every game,” Caldentey said, reflecting on her team’s start to the season.

“We have a big challenge in every game. We don’t have a lot of time between games. Everyone wants to win against us now, even more when we won the Champions League last year. They want to beat us.

“It’s not that we are in a hangover or whatever, it’s just hard to stay high every game and do things perfect every game. It’s what we want and we’re trying so hard.

“We want to turn the situation, but that’s football. That’s the reality of that league, of women’s football right now. The level is so high and everyone can hurt you. 

“We need to be more consistent that we are aware of that. That’s what we want.”

Caldentey enjoyed a phenomenal last season with Arsenal but says she has plenty left that she wants to achieve with the club.

“I would love to win the WSL, of course,” she continued.

“The FA Cup and all those competitions that I haven’t won yet. That’s of course a goal, but you can’t look at the big picture. 

“It’s day by day, game by game. Of course, it’s my wish and it’s our wish from all the team. That’s why we are working every day. That’s why we put all our effort. We prioritise that in our lives. It’s because we love it and it’s what we want. 

“It’s not all in our hands right now because we haven’t started how we wanted. We will keep pushing and we will keep trying.”