Graham Potter on why he does not pick Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Chelsea boss Graham Potter recently addressed concerns over the lack of game time given to striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, despite the player’s impressive goal-scoring record over a long career.
This comes on the back of the Blues struggling to get one goal to save their life on the pitch. Despite the abundance of attacking names in the team, Chelsea just do not seem capable of putting the ball in the back of the net.
One man who knows all too well about doing just that and has done so all through his career is Gabonese’s veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, Potter just does not seem to prefer him. The 33-year-old former Barcelona and Arsenal striker has scored just thrice and provided a solitary assist in 18 games across competitions for the Blues.
However, Potter has defended his decision, explaining that he is looking to give other players a chance to prove themselves on the pitch. Chelsea however are not in a position where they have the luxury to do that.
Potter’s approach to team selection has been a point of contention for some Chelsea fans this season, with many calling for Aubameyang to be given more game time. This is not the only baffling selection decision the English manager has made.
Speaking about the non-selection of the former Barcelona man, here is what Potter had to say in the press conference as quoted by Football. London:
“I would say keep doing what he’s doing. We made the decision to give David the opportunity and we still had Kai [Havertz] and Raheem coming on and I think they impacted the game well. But obviously, when you don’t score and have created chances, I understand the question.”
The striker has a proven track record of scoring goals but has struggled to replicate that form this season. He has not really been given a fair chance either and so, the buck has to fall both ways.
However, Potter has defended his approach, arguing that he is trying to build a team that is not reliant on any one player. He believes that by giving other players the opportunity to step up and score goals.
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Potter would be forgiven should his selection decisions pay off. However, that does not seem to be the case for now. Let’s see how this particular situation shapes up for the rest of the season.