Wojciech Szczesny's Dad, Maciej, Slams Arsenal Defence and Per Mertesacker

Maciej Szczesny, the father of Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, has come out in boisterous support of his son after the swathes of criticism he received following the Gunners’ 2-0 defeat to Southampton.

The Polish goalkeeper was at fault for both goals scored by the Saints, but Maciej has claimed the defence in front of him isn’t good enough and singled out Per Mertesacker for particularly scathing criticism, per Polish sports daily Przegladu Sportowego (h/t Eurosport):

"

Yes, he made a mistake on the first goal, but please look at the Arsenal defence. Per Mertesacker showed the agility of a rhinoceros. Someone should support him [Wojciech], but the coaching staff at Arsenal would rather not.

The entire defence this season is an embarrassment.

"

Clive Mason/Getty Images

Reports have also claimed that the Arsenal shot-stopper was fined £20,000 for smoking in the showers after the defeat on New Year's Day, per John Cross of the Daily Mirror. However, his father has once again come to the support of his son, insisting the entire incident is a facade conjured by the media.

Per the aforementioned piece:

"

I've spoken to people with whom he is in constant contact and are close to him. It's a situation invented by journalists.

There was no smoking in the shower, or argument with Mr.Wenger, although the latter wouldn't surprise me.

I do not believe that he is dumb enough to smoke in the changing room.

"

Michael Steele/Getty Images

Szczesny has endured an up-and-down campaign this season. In recent matches against Liverpool and West Ham United, the Polish international turned in excellent displays, but there’s an underpinning feeling that he always has an error in him.

That manifested into something tangible against the Saints, as noted by Squawka Football:

BBC Radio 5 Live’s Mark Pougatch questioned whether he was good enough for the Gunners in the wake of that defeat:

Maciej is correct in his claim that the Arsenal defence has been poor this season, but it’s the job of a goalkeeper to provide ample insurance when things do go wrong. David de Gea, for example, has helped Manchester United’s unconvincing back four out of the mire many times this season with his excellent goalkeeping.

It remains to be seen whether his errors or subsequent conduct have any bearing on Szczesny’s future at the club, but according to Matt Law of The Telegraph, Arsenal are weighing up a potential summer move for Chelsea’s Petr Cech. If that move does come off, then the Pole’s future at the Emirates will be a real cause for intrigue.