Can you talk more about the decision?
I don’t have much more to say, I think it’s a real clear statement from the club. It’s
a decision we have made following the last incident that we had with the players and
this is where we stand.
How many incidents have there been?
I don't mind you asking but I can't go any further on that as you can believe. When we
had to make that decision, it was because it was the right one to defend the interests
of the football club.
Did you break the news to Auba yourself?
Yes, we did it, both the club having a personal conversation and myself having a face-to-face
with the player.
How did Auba take the decision?
He had to accept the decision.
Who will be the next captain?
Well we have the leadership group and we have different players who have been nominated
to be captain, in the last game it was Laca, we had had Granit who has been captain as
well, so we will follow that. It is a really unpleasant situation and it is not the moment
to any rash decision. That leadership group is really strong, it is the one that communicates
with myself and the coaching staff and with the club in a really strong and clear way
and we are going to continue that. That is one of the decisions we make, to make that
group a little bit better and try to educate them and try to get the right feedback all
the time and build the trust and a strong culture around the club. It is working really
well so we will continue to do that.
How important is the appointment of the next captain?
It's really important but for me having the leadership group is something that has been
tremendously helpful because then you get different voices. It is a really multicultural
dressing room that needs a lot of attention and different feelings ands different languages,
they all have to be involved and I'm comfortable with that.
What's the impact been on the dressing room?
They accept the decision and I think they know because they have committed to it and
they have demanded it, that we want to take our culture and our demands, and who do we
want to be as a club and how we want to represent this club to a different level. When those
standards are not met, you know you cannot participate in our daily basics.
How big a test will this be for the leadership qualities of the squad?
It is a really unpredictable environment and sport and every day is harder and harder to
live with a lot of things that happened. But they are dealing with it extremely well, you
can see what they are doing on the pitch, the amount of importance they are taking around
the club and how vital they have been in our very close season. So that is what I want,
I want them to take accountability. They want to be important players in the team, it has
to be on and off the field and when those decisions are taken, they have to participate
in that as well because they are a big part of that.
How is the team looking in terms of fitness?
The rest is always good, hopefully we had all the negative tests of the players and
regarding that it is obviously a big concern with everything that is happening in the league
and in the country but hopefully everybody will be available and fit.
What do you make of West Ham's form this season and how impressed have you been?
Very much, and for me one of the best teams in the league. This period... the understanding
that they have, the clarity in what they want to do and how much they are able to hurt teams
with the way they play has been impressive and they have been really really consistent.
Would you consider selling Auba in January?
I can say right now that we have made this decision, unfortunately it's a really tough
one and obviously if I had to choose I would not like to be sitting here talking about
it but we had to do it. But for now, he is not involved in the squad.
When will he be back in the squad?
What I can say for now is that, you can understand it is a lot to digest and a really difficult
decision to make, so we need a bit of time.
Is there a way back for him?
What I can say now is to make the decision that we made is really hurting, and it is
still like this and it needs a bit of time to heal. So for now, he is not involved in
the squad.
How would you describe your relationship with Auba?
Since I have been here, really, really good. That is why it is painful.
Did Auba dispute the deceision?
No.
Did he agree with it?
I cannot go any further about personal conversations, I tell you how it was done and it's the way
I like to do it, eye to eye, and that's it.
Which players could come into the leadership group?
That leadership group can alter and you can have people coming in and out as well in relation
to the topic you are discussing, the moment that they are living in the team and when
you need them to mature or be involved in something that is going to be very important
in their education and we have players there that are constantly going to be involved and
other times they’re going to be participating as well because it’s a team-building thing.
Could the news unite the team?
Unfortunately, we have to be clear about the situation and I think it’s better to put
it out there. The amount of games that we’re going to play now, whether it’s now or in
three days time it’s not going to be any different to close any speculation and try
to be transparent and clear of what we’ve done and I thought it was the right decision
to do it right now and the team is fully focussed right now thinking that the game tomorrow
is vital for us.
Would the decision still have been made if Auba was in good form?
Without a question of a doubt.
Has Auba apologised?
I cannot discuss what I have discussed with him.
Could Xhaka be the new captain?
Granit is one of the captains and he’s part of the leadership group and is a really important
player for us.
Have there been any positive COVID tests at the club?
No, we haven’t had any players test positive.
Has Auba played his last game for Arsenal?
All I can say is that for now, he’s out of the squad, he’s not involved and sadly,
this is the decision that we’ve taken.
Is the situation similar to Ozil's departure?
It’s a really particular situation, first of all with the importance that the player
has at the club, with their role, with the relationship that I have with him, but unfortunately,
this is the situation that we have and we have to face it.
Were you expecting to make the announcement?
For sure, I hoped I would be here today talking about something different and talking about
Auba in a completely different way, but again, we have to make decisions and I’m here with
the club to try and make the right decisions every single day and this is all we try to
do.
Can the news inspire the team?
I’m hoping that the team tomorrow is going to get out there with the fire in their eyes
and knowing the importance of the game. West Ham are within catching distance and tomorrow
we play at home in front of our people and we expect a great performance and a great
result.
Could football go back behind closed doors? Everything that happened this week is a really
worrying sign. There are games that have been cancelled and postponed for that reason, players
and staff members with really high numbers of positive tests. It’s really worrying.
Is there an ongoing disciplinary situation with Aubameyang?
What I can say again is that we have made this decision based on certain moments where
he has not fulfilled his duties, and that’s it. That expectation and commitment that we
need from every player, that’s at a different level. That’s why we were forced to make
that decision.
Are there things that you can’t discuss about the situation?
I have tried to explain the situation as clearly as I possibly can. But obviously there are
situations and private matters that I cannot discuss with you. But I think you all should
know the reasons why - and instead of having any excuses - tell the truth. I would add
consequently to that, I think that this club and it’s people, and every supporter needs
transparency - whether they agree or not - to be told what happened, and (to be told) the
truth and why we have made that decision.
Could it be a fresh start for the team and supporters?
Well, we have to deal with the situation right now, we have to make the most out of it and
the thing is that tomorrow we have a game. We have to show how much we care about that
game tomorrow, and I’m sure that every player that steps out onto that pitch is going to
be on hundred percent committed.
How big will the West Ham game feel to the players?
Well, it’s a big game because of the position they are in, and the position we want to be
in. Tomorrow we have the opportunity at home, in front of our people to do that. That would
be a big, big boost.
Will having the crowd behind you make a difference tomorrow?
Well you can see when the crowd gets behind the team, the moments that [the team] are
creating. A really great example was against Southampton again, and that’s what the players
are talking about right now. They know tomorrow night under the lights they will be right
behind the team and they want to please them.