UNAI EMERY reportedly gave his Arsenal flops two days off training to ‘mentally recover’ following their 2-2 draw against Southampton on the weekend.
A chorus of boos once again echoed around the Emirates after the North London side required a 96th minute equaliser from Alexandre Lacazette to snatch a point.
The Gunners – who face German side Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League tonight – haven’t won any of their last six games in all competitions.
And instead of preparing for the game and working on their defensive frailties, Emery is claimed to have given his squad time off.
According to The Daily Mail, the 48-year-old allowed his players to miss two days of training to give them a psychological break following their shocking form.
They add that his decision was met by surprise from members of the club, but Emery felt it was more beneficial for the squad to rest and recover rather than be out on the training pitch.
The report adds that a source has described the atmosphere at London Colney as “fatalistic” with the belief that it is only a matter of time before the Spaniard gets the sack.
And a section of Arsenal supporters are planning a protest during the clash later this evening where they will urge the club to relieve Emery of his duties.
But despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, the ex-Paris Saint-Germain gaffer insists he still has the backing of the board.
Speaking ahead of the match against Frankfurt, he said: “The club is really supporting me.
I feel everyone responsible in that area is backing me and I really appreciate it a lot.
“That support gives me strength and I know my responsibility is to change the situation.
My future is today and tomorrow. My job is to prepare for this match against Frankfurt. Those are my only thoughts.
