Xhaka also asserted that his teammates didn’t obey instructions from the coach during the 2-0 loss to Newcastle
By Kehinde Okeowo
Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka has chastised his teammates for missing the opportunity to take charge of qualification for next season’s Champions League.
The Gunners’ hopes of qualifying for the competition took a huge dent after they were defeated 2-0 by Newcastle United on Monday night.
Mikel Arteta’s men would have gone into the final home game against Everton on Sunday with their fate in their hands if they had won yesterday’s encounter.
However, losing the game means a win for Spurs in the final round of fixtures condemns Arsenal to Europa League, as they are now in fifth place, two points adrift of their arch-rivals.
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Xhaka, speaking after the match, said he felt sorry for the fans but insisted that the age of the team is not an acceptable excuse for their display.
He went on to say his teammates didn’t obey instructions from the coach and asserted the team didn’t deserve to play in Europe’s elite competition.
Xhaka said, “I don’t know why we didn’t listen to the coach. It’s not about age. If you’re 18 or 35. If you’re not ready, if you don’t have the balls, stay at home. Sorry to the fans.
He added, “We didn’t do what the game plan was, not listening to the coach, doing our own thing and when you do that, this is what happens. A disastrous performance. We don’t deserve to play Champions League or even Europa League.”