Thomas Tuchel talked about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the ongoing issue at Arsenal while backing the striker’s character and quality.
It’s been a busy few days inside the Arsenal training centre at London Colney with the saga involving Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. After dropping the striker for the Southampton game last Saturday, the club stripped the Gabon star of the captain’s armband, causing a divide among the Gunners faithful.
Many fans have sided with the striker, while some stood by Arteta, with some pundits even praising the club’s stance over the issue.
However, as things stand, he is no longer Arsenal’s captain and remains suspended from first-team action. There is an understanding that Aubameyang might return for the trip to Leeds United at the weekend, having sat two games out of the squad.
Aubameyang is already linked with a move to Barcelona, although that could be just media whispers more than anything. The striker has a contract until the summer of 2023, and considering his huge wages, it will be difficult to make a move anywhere, especially given his age.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has spoken regarding the whole issue. The German managed Aubameyang at Borussia Dortmund in the past and vouched for his character and qualities. Talking to Sky Sports on various matters, including Conor Gallagher, Antonio Rudiger and the former Arsenal captain, the Chelsea boss gave his take on the matter, supporting the striker for the person he is.
Tuchel said, “I will [talk to him] at some point, but I don’t want to disturb. He was a very important player for me; we had a very close relationship. Today when we meet, it’s still very nice; I can only say the best things about Auba as a player and person.
“I feel sorry for him that he’s in trouble because that’s not where he should be with his kind of quality, and that is not the character that he has – I still believe in this. But I’m not involved in what’s going on at his club. I want to show my respect and not judge what is right or wrong.”
The 32-year-old has scored seven goals and set up two more in 15 games in all competitions this season. It remains to be seen when Mikel Arteta decides to bring Aubameyang back into the fold.
