ARTETA REACTS TO CRITICISM FROM AUBAMEYANG

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reacted to criticism from former captain Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, stressing that the current squad is more hardworking than in previous years.

Aubameyang left the Emirates stadium for Barcelona in controversial circumstances after a fall-out with Arteta over disciplinary issues. He, however, returned to England after a six months stint at the Camp Nou, signing for Chelsea.

A video emerged recently of the Gabonese International slating Arteta’s management skills.

“To manage big characters or big players, he (Arteta) can’t deal with it. He (Arteta) needs some young players, they don’t say anything, they listen,” Aubameyang was recorded as saying in an interview with A Jewellers.

Since the video was first shared, Aubameyang took to social media to explain his comments, writing part of a tweet which read: ‘Aware there is a video out that was recorded just after I arrived at Barca.

‘At the time I still had a lot of bad feelings in me – Arsenal are doing great things this season and I wish all my old guys well, just not on November 6.’

When asked about Aubameyang’s comments in the press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League clash with Bodo/Glimt, Arteta said, “People are free to discuss what they want,” he told reporters in Norway.

“I have never been in a better dressing room (than this season) – more enjoyable, more hard-working, a better relationship between staff and players and it is an absolute pleasure as a coach to be a part of this group.”

The Gunners sit top of the Premier League table after beating Liverpool 3-2 on Sunday, with Bukayo Saka grabbing a brace.