Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe has admitted he isn’t happy with how he’s started his Gunners career, which has led to numerous supporters backing the Ivorian to come good.
The 24-year-old, who joined in a club-record £72 million deal over the summer, has failed to match immediate expectations set at the Emirates.
Pepe’s most recent performance against Old Trafford was arguably one of his worst so far, which led to some criticism from a section of supporters.
And talking to the French outlet RMC Sport, cited by The Boot Room, Pepe gave an honest self-assessment regarding his early Arsenal career, revealing he hasn’t been ‘good enough’.
It’s not been easy, we must tell the truth. I’m not good enough in my stats or my usual form, it’s not the same as in Lille or during the Liverpool match early in the season.
The confidence must come back. I am not very worried. People may be worried about statistics, but I’m not. I have to keep working because the level is different, so is the language. It’s a new championship for me. I have to adapt quickly but it will not be long.
These Arsenal fans have taken to social media to back their big-money signing, urging supporters to remain patient.
Twitter: Any chance we can just lay off Pépé and give the boy some time to settle?
The criticism is going to far. (@GoonerGirl1969)
Twitter: @GoonerGirl1969 Agree he needs time to settle (@lee_towle)
Twitter: @GoonerGirl1969 Second that
(@mevans1961)
Twitter: @GoonerGirl1969 Your 100% right. We need to give him a chance. Remember Henry arriving and some people weren’t happy at the beginning. (@JohnDav34665488)
Twitter: @GoonerGirl1969 He needs time to settle, same as Pires (@WarrenConey)
Read Arsenal verdict
It’s refreshing to see Pepe being so honest about his start to Arsenal life, and it’s also great to see these Gunners fans getting behind the Ivorian.
Yes, in an ideal world, Pepe would have eased into Premier League life in the opening weeks, however, he still clearly needs time to adjust to the demands that the English top-flight brings.
As mentioned by various supporters, this scenario has happened in the past. The likes of Robert Pires and Thierry Henry initially struggled in north London but evenually ended up as Arsenal greats thanks to the patience of both the staff and fans early on.
It’ll be the same for Pepe, but with the player himself and the fans both desperate for him to succeed, we have no doubts that he’ll come good over the next few months.
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