Gabriel Jesus has disclosed that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made him train in isolation before his transfer to Barcelona, while Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac has defended his decision to substitute Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri in what some viewed as a public humiliation.
Jesus Punished Before Barcelona Move
The former Arsenal forward revealed he was forced to train away from the group prior to finalising his switch to Barcelona. Despite omitting the 29-year-old from the Community Shield squad last month, Arteta had maintained that Jesus remained a vital component of his plans. That position shifted as the Brazilian was disciplined when he appeared to be moving away from the club.
"So, the truth is, I was training, I did all the pre-season with Arsenal as normal. Obviously, I knew already that probably I would not play there or get many opportunities, but nobody told me nothing," Jesus told SportyTV.
"Well, I am a professional. Obviously, I was training with the group. Then, from nothing, they put me to train away from the group. Well, I was training, I was doing my maximum to be ready if I have a chance to play at a high level again. Then, obviously, in the last week, it was very quick.
"The work with Deco, the president of the club, and my agent was amazing. In one day, it was sure that I would have the opportunity to come (to Barcelona). I said yes, straight away, no matter what, and I am so happy to be here."
Arteta's Praise for Jesus
Following Jesus's move to Barcelona, Arteta was full of praise for the Brazilian striker, saying: "Gabi's gone to Barcelona, which I take the opportunity as well to give him a huge thank you.
"He was a massive contributor for us to change the dynamic and the energy in and around this club. I think when Gabi came in he brought this energy, this belief within, this aura, that's really helped achieve what happened next."
Nwaneri Substitution Defended
Kovac came out in defence of his choice to substitute Nwaneri, despite having brought the youngster off the bench earlier in the match. The 19-year-old had initially been introduced ahead of schedule to cover for Konstantinos Karetsas, who was rushed to hospital with circulation issues.
Kovac dismissed any notion that the decision reflected poorly on Nwaneri's contribution, following Dortmund's 3-2 victory over Villarreal on Tuesday. "He gave everything. If he had started the game, he probably would have come off around the 60th minute," Kovac explained.
When pressed on whether the substitution was linked to Nwaneri's performance, the Dortmund boss was emphatic in his response, adding: "Quite the opposite, he was really good. It was great that he was able to have an impact on the team in such a short time."
The Arsenal teenager clocked up 55 minutes in total after stepping in for Karetsas in the first half, before being replaced by Carney Chukwuemeka in the closing stages. Having already registered an assist in his Bundesliga debut, the youngster will be eager to maintain his impressive form throughout the remainder of his loan stint.
