Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the decision to remove Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from captaincy following a disciplinary breach was in the club’s best interest. Arteta said he had informed the Gabon international during the face-to-face meeting – admitting it was an unpleasant situation to deal with. Aubameyang will not be considered for selection for Wednesday’s Premier League game at home to West Ham United.
Arsenal confirmed the news in a statement to the club, saying: “We expect all our players, especially our captains, to act on the rules and standards that we have all set and agreed upon. Our full attention tomorrow is on the match.
Later, in his pre-match news conference, Arteta would not be drafted on specifics, although The Athletic reported that Aubameyang was dropped after a late return from a trip abroad.
Arteta dropped Aubameyang from the team that beat Southampton 3-0 over the weekend due to a breach of discipline.
Speaking about the club’s decision, Arteta said: “I have nothing more to say. We made this decision after the last incident with the player and here we stand.
“When we have to make this decision it is because it is right to protect the interests of the club.”
When asked how Aubameyang made the decision, Arteta remained silent. “They had to accept the decision,” he said.
Alexandre Lacazette led the team against Southampton in Aubameyang’s absence and Arteta said the club now had a strong “leadership group” – part of the culture he wanted to bring.
“We have different players who were nominated to be captain in the last game, it was Laka (Zet) and we also have Granit (Xahka) who has been captain so we will follow that,” he added.
“Obviously, this is a really unpleasant situation and this is not the time to take any hasty decisions. But the leadership group is really strong, it’s the one that communicates with me and the coaching staff and then with the club in a really clear and strong way.”
Aubameyang, who signed a new three-year contract with the North London club last year at https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-england-ars-aubameyang-idUKKBN2662O7, has struggled this season , scoring only four Premier League goals – the last of which was against Aston Villa in October.
The 32-year-old was dropped earlier for disciplinary reasons, with Arteta ousting the striker in a 2-1 win over north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur last season.
“I’ve had a good relationship with her since I moved here, so it’s painful,” Arteta said.
Arsenal are sixth in the league standings with 26 points after 16 matches, two points outside the top four.
read all breaking news, today’s fresh news And coronavirus news Here.
,