The claim of a possible disagreement between Mikel Arteta and his captain, Aubameyang, has been dispelled by the Arsenal boss.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has countered the suggestion of a rift between him and his captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
He also denied rumours of his possible exit in January, as he claims the club have not discussed the possibility of selling the striker with anyone.
Aubameyang has scored just 4 goals in 15 Premier League games, although he is next to Emile Smith Rowe on the clubs’ scorers chart, he is way off the mark for a striker of his caliber.
ALSO READ: Rangnick says United must improve defensively to win games
Mikel Arteta dropped him for Monday’s 2-1 defeat at The Toffees, appearing for just the final five minutes at Goodison Park and missing a chance to equalise with the last kick of the game.
According to ESPN, Manchester United defender, Gary Neville, suggested after the Everton loss, that there were signs Arteta and Aubameyang’s relationship “feels a little bit awkward” and the Gunners could be open to letting the 32-year-old leave if they receive an offer next month.
Reacting to Neville’s claims, Arteta said the relationship between him and his captain is cordial. He also said the decision to drop the striker was not a personal one.
“I have a very good relationship with my players,” Arteta said when asked by ESPN about Aubameyang at Friday’s pre match news conference ahead of Southampton’s visit to Emirates Stadium.
“Everyone has to understand that I always do the best for this club and team. And often if that can benefit any individual I will always do it. The decisions are not personal, the decisions are just to get performance, and the best out of the team. That’s it.
“Obviously, when a player is not scoring it’s affecting his confidence, it’s affecting the mood and probably the belief, but you have to rebel against this situation, don’t accept it, and feel sorry for yourself.”
When asked if he was considering letting the Gabonese striker leave in January as suggested by Neville, he said it is not on the card.
He said: “Really, we have never discussed something like this, and when players are under difficulty — or the team is under difficulty- – what we have to be is supportive.”