Mikel Arteta, the manager of the Arsenal, has come under fire from former Gunners captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for allegedly not being able to handle “big players.”
When Arteta played for the Gunners, Aubameyang, who transferred to Chelsea during the summer transfer window, famously quarreled with him.
In 163 appearances over four seasons in north London, he scored 92 goals. This includes little over two years under Arteta’s leadership, but things took a turn for the worst in his last months with the team when the Spaniard relieved Aubameyang of his captaincy owing to repeated conduct difficulties.
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The Gunners terminated the forward’s contract in February after an unresolvable fallout, which led to his signing with Barcelona.
Aubameyang also criticized Arteta’s leadership style after leaving Arsenal.
Aubameyang told A Jewellers, “I remember when they [Barcelona] initially called my father.
We were familiar with the coach, Xavi, when he called and said there was a chance because you were having issues with Arsenal, but if you came, you would really aid us.
“But he (Arteta) can’t handle managing large characters or big players.
“He (Arteta) wants some young players because they listen without speaking.”
Aubameyang scored 13 goals in 24 appearances for Barcelona in his brief six-month stay there.
The Catalan giants wanted to get rid of him due to their well-known financial issues, and since Chelsea was in need of a striker in the summer, the 33-year-old came to the Blues.
Aubameyang has scored twice in his first four games for Graham Potter’s team, and on November 6, when they take on the Blues, he will go up against the Gunners.
While this is happening, Arteta’s Arsenal are dominating the Premier League this year as they now hold the top spot.
At the Emirates on Sunday, they defeated Liverpool 3-2 with a brace each from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
Aubameyang: “Arteta Can’t Handle Big Name Players” was first published on Complete Sports.