Potter Sends Aubameyang 'Message' in Chelsea’s Loss to Fulham

Potter Sends Aubameyang 'Message' in Chelsea’s Loss to Fulham

Elijah Odetokun
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:22 PM
In this article:
English Premier League logo
ENG Premier League
England
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang logo
P. Aubameyang
Al-Qadisiya logoFGabon logo
  • Chelsea's poor form continued as the side succumbed to a 2-1 loss to neighbours Fulham
  • Debutant João Felix was lively in the game until he was shown a straight red for a tackle
  • Potter left Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the bench, which is said to have sent a message

There seems to be no end in sight for Chelsea's woes after yet another loss to London neighbours Fulham, with many key incidents and decisions sending different messages about the situation at the club.

New arrival from Atletico Madrid, João Felix was handed his full debut and was the brightest man in Chelsea's attack, until an over-ambitious and reckless challenge made him see a straight red in the 58th minute.

Graham Potter, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, chelsea, Fulham, craven cottage, Barcelona.
Graham Potter's recent snub suggests Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is surplus to requirements at Chelsea. Photos by Clive Rose/Jacques Feeney.
Source: Getty Images

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and new signing, David Datro Fofana were the two recognised number 9s on the bench, but Graham Potter opted to shake up the defence and midfield, leaving makeshift striker Kai Havertz on.

Time for Aubameyang to leave

As reported by Sky Sports, the Gabonese striker joined Chelsea from Barcelona on deadline day but only played 59 minutes under Thomas Tuchel, who requested him before the German was sacked.

Exciting feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ find "Recommended for you" block and enjoy!

Aubameyang has scored three goals under Potter, but looks like a man who is not settled at the club. His recent snub and his manager's comments suggests their relationship is damaged and it would likely be better to part ways, as reported by Metro.

‘‘We had a back five and felt we should go to a 4-4-1 and keep Kai on, because I felt he was leading the line, and winning challenges and duels," Potter commented after the loss.

The statement is said to communicate to the striker that he is not trusted. This was reiterated by former Chelsea player, Joe Cole in his punditry for the game, claiming Potter had sent a message to the former Arsenal striker.

Auba's exit options are limited

The former Borussia Dortmund striker may want out at Chelsea but his options are limited, as he can only re-join former club Barcelona, as reported by Sports Brief.

This is due to a FIFA rule which does not allow for a player to play for more than two clubs in a season. Aubameyang played once for Barcelona at the start of the season, before his exit.

Returning to the Catalans could also prove impossible however, as a Spanish league rule does not allow a player to be registered twice in a season, meaning Aubameyang would stay benched.

Authors
Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.
Tags
Graham PotterTransfers