By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta and his Keeper, Bernd Leno, may soon be on a collision course if the communication breakdown between the duo is not addressed on time.
Leno, who was the first choice goalkeeper until English man Aaron Ramsdale was bought at the begining of the 2021/2022 season has since falling down the pecking order.
The German goalkeeper has not made a Premier League appearance since Aug. 28. He last stood in the goal post for Gunners during the EFL cup against AFC Wimbledon at the begining of last month.
He showed his frustration during an interview with a German newspaper Sport Bild on Wednesday, where he claimed he has not been told by the gaffer, why he now sits on the bench, as he is sure it has nothing to do with his performance
His manager was however given the opportunity to respond to his comment in the newspaper, while responding to questions from English press ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Brighton and Hove on Sarturday.
According to Arteta, Leno was spoken to before the decision was taken. He also advised him to focus on his training rather than get involved in things that would distract him.
“I had a very clear conversation with him 48 hours before I was going to make the decision. Obviously any conversation I have with him is completely private and I’m not going to speak with any media about it.
“[I expect from him] the same that he’s done every single day. Train the way he does, be the way he is, the person he is, the way he handles himself, and try to help the other keepers and the other keepers try to help him.” Arteta said.
According to ESPN, Leno has just over 18 months remaining on his contact, and he is expected to consider a move when the January transfer window opens, if Ramsdale continues to keep him out of the starting lineup — something the German international confirmed this week.
“I’m not seriously thinking about that yet,” he said. “I feel comfortable at Arsenal and in London.
“Only if nothing changes in my situation by winter would I have to think about things: what option do I have, how can I continue? I’m concentrating on my work in training. I can’t commit to anything else at the moment.”
The 28-year-old German must improve if he wants his position back, as his major challenger, Ramsdale has been very good in the post for Arsenal this season and the fans are already warming up to him.
He has kept 3 clean sheets in 4 games and has conceded only one goal in the process, while the Gunners have lost the 3 Premier League games Leno played, conceding 5 goals in one of the games against Man City.
