'It damages players' confidence' - Ex-African POTY questions Potter's decision to substitute Aubameyang

The tactical decision of Chelsea manager, Graham Potter, to substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the Blues' defeat to Manchester City in their Premier League meeting at Stamford Bridge has been criticized by former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba. 

Chelsea suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Citizens  with a number of their players out through injuries. 

Aubameyang replaced injured Raheem Sterling in the fifth minute of the game but was then substituted off in the second half. 

Ikpeba who played for German side Borussia Dortmund just as Aubameyang, spoke on the impact of such decisions on Monday Night Football monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com.

"It damages players' confidence and mentality. And for a top class player like Aubameyang  whom I have been a fan of when he was at Dortmund and Arsenal, where he scored lots of goals.

"We saw him move to Barcelona and back in the Premier League for Chelsea. We have seen that his confidence is not there anymore at Chelsea. 

Ikpeba who was part of Nigeria's 1996 Olympics triumph in Atlanta, USA alluded that it is difficult for a player who is apparently not trusted by his manager to perform at optimal level. 

"Auba is not getting younger. He's 32 or 33 years old, so coming to a club where there no stability anymore, and he's not even given the chance to play regularly - so it shows that the confidence is low. 

"I won't like to come in the 4th minute of a game and be replaced in the second half. Sometimes it happens and if he's not doing enough, he can be substituted," Ikpeba admitted. 

Aubameyang's playing time could be further hampered should Chelsea bring on transfer target, Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid, on loan for the rest of the 2022/2023 season. 

 Izuchukwu Michael
 

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com