Arsene Wenger’s change to 3-4-3 didn’t go down well with Hector Bellerin (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has admitted he endured a difficult season at the club last term and that he particularly struggled to adapt to Arsene Wenger’s change of formation.

The Gunners had a nightmare spell in the early part of 2017 that saw them humiliated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League and ultimately falling out of the Premier League top four.

Wenger changed to a 3-4-3 formation in April, bringing about an improvement in results as Arsenal won the FA Cup with respective semi-final and final victories over Manchester City and Chelsea.

Still, Bellerin didn’t always get into the starting line up as Wenger changed to using wing-backs, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain largely preferred ahead of the Spaniard in that role.

Bellerin is back in training with the Gunners (Picture: Getty)

The 22-year-old was then linked with a move to Barcelona during the summer, and now admits it’s been a difficult few months for him on a personal level as he looks to improve in 2017/18.

‘It was a tough season for the club and me personally as well,’ he said.

‘I had a few injuries and changing the system also didn’t favour me in the last few games.

Bellerin did manage a start at wing-back in the FA Cup final (Picture: Getty)

‘Last season was about cementing myself in the first-team squad and I’m glad the boss gave me the chance to do that.

Arsenal's pre-season fixtures

Arsenal 2-0 Sydney FC
Arsenal 3-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea
Arsenal 5-2 Benfica
Arsenal 1-2  Sevilla
Aug 6 – Chelsea (Wembley – Community Shield)

‘This season is about making sure I can hold my spot. Nothing really comes easy and we need to adapt to every single situation.’

Arsenal have used the 3-4-3 system again in pre-season, suggesting Bellerin will once again have to adapt to playing as a wing-back as opposed to the more traditional full-back role.

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