RVP backs Bergkamp calls

ROBIN VAN PERSIE has backed calls for Arsene Wenger to sign 'stronger characters' in a bid to revive Arsenal's flagging fortunes.

The Gunners are on the verge of crashing out of the Champions League following Wednesday's humiliating 4-0 defeat at AC Milan.

And they face a tough task in securing a spot in Europe's top club competition next season with Chelsea and Newcastle pushing hard for fourth spot in the Premier League.

Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp claims Wenger's team lack the mental strength of the 2004 'Invincibles' title-winning side he was part of.

The Dutch hero reckons the current squad miss the battling qualities the likes of Robert Pires, Ray Parlour and Freddie Ljungberg added to the flair he and Thierry Henry brought to the team.

And Van Persie reckons there is some truth in what Bergkamp said, pointing to 34-year-old Henry as the perfect example.

Van Persie, 28, claims Wenger's decision to re-sign the Frenchman on loan from New York Red Bulls in January was a masterstroke.

Henry hit three goals during his spell back in North London but returned to the USA following the midweek collapse at the San Siro.

But Van Persie is adamant his presence on the training pitch made many of the Gunners' misfiring stars raise their game.

Speaking to Match of the Day Magazine, he said: "Thierry is very demanding, but that's a good thing. Great players have that.

"His basic level is so high that some other players are struggling to come to his basic level, which is hard because he's so good.

"Sometimes, when they are at that level, they're punching above their weight in some areas.

"That's why he looks demanding. The only thing he expects from himself is the highest level.

"He expects other people to be at that level and sometimes its hard for anybody.

"You see it in little things. Last week we had a little game in training and he made it really competitive.

"Sometimes you have games in training that you think 'Mmm, it's just a bit low key and relaxed' but with players like him around it's just never the case.

"He always gives 100 per cent, he always wants to win the game even if its an easy game and nobody is watching.

"We had a couple of really good games on the training ground with him.

"Now we have Mikel Arteta, Thomas Vermaelen and myself — guys already who have that same commitment, desire and attitude.

"That gives a good influence on the whole team."