Nicolas Pepe has expressed his frustration at not being a regular starter for Arsenal under the management of Mikel Arteta.
Having not started a Premier League match for the Gunners since their 1-0 defeat at Manchester City on 17 October, Pepe stated that his ‘goal is to play more’.
Nicolas Pepe Frustrated by Lack of Playing Time at Arsenal
Pepe Wants More Minutes After Impressing in Cup Competitions
In an interview with Canal Plus, via Sky Sports, Pepe stated: “My goal is to play more. To have a little more playing time,”
“A player who plays is happy. For me, I would like to play a little more to find a smile again.
The Ivory Coast international has struggled for consistency since he swapped Lille for north London in a £72 million move last summer, starting only one Premier League game so far this season.
The 25-year-old has shown flashes of individual brilliance so far this season, with some impressive performances in the Europa League. However, the Gunners’ club-record signing wants to rediscover his best form by becoming a regular starter for Arteta.
Pepe continued: “He (Arteta) wants me to be 100 per cent focused during the 90 minutes of the match. Afterwards, I see during training that I will be a substitute the following weekend.
“But the coach speaks to me, he also has assistants who are there for that. But it is frustrating for any player to be on the bench.
“A super-sub role? The coach makes his choices. It’s up to me to show him that I don’t have that role.”
Pepe to Take Chance After International Break?
After the conclusion of the latest international break, Arsenal will be keen to make amends for a humbling home defeat to Aston Villa when they travel to Leeds United on 22 November.
Fellow winger Willian has endured a poor run of form whilst Arsenal are struggling in attack. As a result, Arteta may look to Pepe as the player who can unlock his side’s attacking potential as the season progresses.
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