Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Chelsea. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Speaking to Football.London, Graham Potter has praised the professionalism of out-of-favour Chelsea star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the way he has handled being left out of the Champions League squad for the rest of the season.
Aubameyang, who joined Chelsea in the summer, was left out in favour of the club’s new signings, much to the disappointment of the Gabonese striker. The former Barcelona forward was a Thomas Tuchel signing and has not convinced Potter yet.
However, despite the setback, Aubameyang has remained professional and focused on his work, impressing Potter with his attitude and work ethic. The English manager revealed that he was happy with the way the veteran striker took the news.
Potter’s praise for Aubameyang is a testament to the striker’s character and his ability to put his disappointment aside in order to focus on his responsibilities as a member of the team. Despite being left out of the Champions League squad, the 33-year-old has continued to work hard in training.
The curse of the number nine shirt as they call it at Stamford Bridge continues to haunt Chelsea and Aubameyang seems to be the latest victim. He certainly is not finished at the top level but it just isn’t working out here.
Speaking to the press, Potter was very empathetic about Auba’s situation and felt bad that he had to miss out on the squad.
“I don’t think it’s going to be difficult because Pierre is a professional and of course, I understand he will be disappointed. It was a tough decision, a tough call. We had three coming in and two had to go out. He was the one that missed out, he’s done nothing wrong at all”
Chelsea had a January transfer window to remember signing the likes of David Datro Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Enzo Fernandez, Joao Felix, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke amongst other players. Most of these players were in action last night but the Blues drew 0-0 against Fulham.
Aubameyang’s situation at Chelsea is a very curious one. The Gabonese striker left Barcelona in the summer in favour of more game time. In hindsight, he might have been better off staying in Spain than coming to London.
It’ll be a huge surprise to see Auba continue at the Bridge beyond this season. There is no doubting his quality as a player but he just doesn’t fit the scheme of things under Potter. Sadly, he will have to leave.
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