After missing two matches through club suspension, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was named in the Borussia Dortmund squad on Friday night for the Bundesliga club’s clash against Freiburg the next day… and it didn’t go well.
Aubameyang has probably had better days.
Not only did the 28-year-old struggle to get involved during his side’s 2-2 draw against Freiburg on Saturday afternoon, he was booed by his own fans.
“He has had better days,” said Dortmund coach Peter Stöger post-match. “We did not manage to get him involved.”
The Dortmund fans also displayed banners directed at the striker, who only had one off-target shot the entire game.
One read: “No one is bigger than the club”.
This was definitely aimed at PEA. pic.twitter.com/AvNgqXAaDv
— Arsènic™ (@MrArsenicTM) January 27, 2018
Another thanked Neven Subotić, who recently left the club after 10 years, while potentially (probably) having a dig at Aubameyang.
“A good man in a ‘bad’ industry… thank you Neven!,” it reads.
Jo. #bvb #BVBSCF #Aubameyang @NSubotic4 pic.twitter.com/biSg9XPfKd
— Dirk Krampe (@DirkKrampe) January 27, 2018
Just like Alexis Sanchez when he didn’t want to be at Arsenal, Aubameyang’s heart just isn’t in it for Dortmund anymore and that was reflected in his performance.
It seems that the German club’s fans have had enough as well.
The Gabon international had fewer touches (19) than anyone who started on either side – including goalkeepers, played just 14 passes and only managed one key pass.
The lacklustre performance and fan fury came the same day Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc admitted Arsenal are still interested in signing the striker.
“We are prepared to implement a transfer under certain parameters – but only if these parameters are fully met. Arsenal has started several attempts so far. We have all rejected so far,” he said.
“Either our demands are fulfilled, then there can be another transfer or else they will not be fulfilled and Auba will play in Dortmund until the summer, so it is also discussed and accepted by the Aubameyang family.”
Aubameyang hasn’t made any secret of his desire to leave Dortmund.
While the rest of his teammates drew 1-1 with Hertha last weekend, he was playing in an indoor football match, wearing a shirt with Dembélé on the back.
https://twitter.com/archiert1/status/954500846330568705
Ousmane Dembélé forced a move away from Dortmund to Barcelona over the summer and, given the rest of Aubameyang’s off-pitch antics, I highly doubt him wearing that particular shirt was a coincidence.
To be fair, if I was a Dortmund fan, I’d probably boo him as well.