Arsenal’s players are backing Granit Xhaka to keep the captain’s armband despite his actions against Crystal Palace at the weekend, according to the Times.
The Swiss international is a popular figure in the dressing room and manager Unai Emery is facing a very difficult situation as to whether to strip the 27-year-old of the captaincy.
After the 2-2 draw on Sunday, Emery said that Xhaka was wrong to goad supporters after being substituted, and he would be discussing the matter internally. Supporters on Twitter think the manager cannot win whatever decision he makes:
This is ridiculous
— Chaise Bushe (@DaChaise) October 29, 2019
Down to Emery not players for make decision also he know his job is risk if he don’t stripped Xhaka captain
— Craig ??????? (@KentGooner77) October 29, 2019
Xhaka Got Talent for sure for keeping all the players & the manager under his spell
— Pranav (@pranav_268) October 29, 2019
How can you still allow players to decide on this, JOKE CLUB
— Bally (@bally_sid) October 29, 2019
What a mess
— GunnerPole (@GunnerPole) October 29, 2019
Damage is already done. It’s a catch 22 situation for him. He can’t win.
— Alex Ojeda (@FloridaGooner12) October 29, 2019
It’s a farce.
— Robson (@robson737) October 29, 2019
What nonsense,this is ridiculous
— Lex Alogi (@LAloginho) October 29, 2019
certainly means none of the players want the armband therefore they would rather see Xhaka keep it
— mnBlanco (@blessedmn1) October 29, 2019
What a joke
— Vilx (@Vilxir) October 29, 2019
Emery has really backed himself into a corner. By leaving it up to the players to vote for their captain, he relinquished his authority on the matter, but he needs to show the fans that the Swiss’s antagonistic behaviour won’t go unpunished.
It appears the Gunners boss will either have to upset supporters or some of his senior players with the decision over the captaincy.
