Granit Xhaka ‘guilty’ as controversial Sky interview analysed by Arsenal idol – ‘he knows’
Kevin Campbell suspects Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka’s fiery post-match interview is born out of “frustration with himself”.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Highbury favourite pointed to the fact that Xhaka, 29, has never qualified for the Champions League with the Gunners.
Arsenal’s top-four hopes all but ended after a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle United on Monday night.
Speaking to Sky Sports post-match (16 May), Xhaka slammed his side’s “unacceptable performance” and suggested his teammates didn’t “have the balls” required to play in such a match.
He also dismissed the idea that the age of Arsenal’s squad proved costly at St. James’ Park.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his reaction to Xhaka’s comments, Campbell said: “They weren’t following the orders.
“When the emotions are high things are coming out. People can interpret it how they like.
“Granit Xhaka is the only one who can tell you what he meant by his comments. He is one of the most experienced players in that team.
“He has been around these youngsters all season and they have responded. They have gone through some diversity and responded. The problem is there was no response. It was a nervy performance.
“There was a lot of pressure on. They just simply could not handle Newcastle.
“There is frustration in there. Xhaka has never qualified for the Champions League since he’s been there. What does that tell you? He is probably frustrated with himself. There is a lot of disappointment there.
“Let’s be honest, he has been guilty of not performing in the past. He knows what he’s talking about it that sense.
“You learn a lot more through adversity than success. This is a big learning curve for these youngsters.”
In other news, a pundit has claimed Arsenal could seal ‘marquee’ signing after journalist’s ‘brilliant’ update.