Former Liverpool forward John Barnes believes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang does not have “the right attitude” amid Arsenal’s recent struggles.
The Gunners have had a hugely disappointing season, and currently sit down in tenth place in the table.
Aubameyang was handed a lucrative new contract at the start of the campaign, but has managed just nine league goals and has at times looked a shadow of his former self.
Speaking to BonusCodeBets.co.uk, Barnes stated his belief that manager Mikel Arteta is doing his best to change the mentality around the club – but is being let down by experienced professionals such as Aubameyang.
(Image: PA)
“You can see that Arteta is trying to instil a much more professional and determined attitude, even in superstar players like Aubameyang,” Barnes said.
“He needs everyone to pull in the right direction rather than his players thinking ‘we’re Arsenal, we’re superstars and even if we don’t win the manager is going to get the blame so we don’t need to perform.’
“There was a change at Arsenal when the fans switched on Wenger and started to call for him to go and the players all of a sudden switched.
“Arsenal don’t just need one leader in the team, they need to look at their whole environment, the fans and everybody must back the manager in charge, and whether you’re Aubameyang or a young player they must respect the manager in charge.
“At Manchester City, the superstar players there cannot step out of line and show any kind of disrespect to the manager or they won’t play – at Arsenal, they don’t do that.
“People blamed Arsene Wenger for Arsenal not doing well and managers since then, rather than putting pressure on the players to perform.
“Some of the players, like Aubameyang, don’t have the right attitude when things aren’t going well – attitude, commitment and determination are such a big part of things and if Arsenal were to get that right they’ll improve.
(Image: PA)
“Arsenal have gone through a number of years since Wenger left where the players absolved themselves of responsibility to perform – when they lost it was never their fault – and the managers have been sacked.”
Aubameyang and his side return to action on Thursday when they face Slavia Prague in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final before taking on Sheffield United in the Premier League on Sunday.
