Laurent Koscielny goes on incredible rant about teammates | OneFootball

Laurent Koscielny has went on an incredible rant about his teammates in Bordeaux, stating clearly some of them need to be ‘left behind’

After nine years with Arsenal, Laurent Koscielny left to return to his home country of France in 2019. The circumstances of his departure were hardly ideal, but it was seemingly for the best as it was what he wanted.

A year and a half later, things aren’t going entirely to plan for the 35-year-old with his new club. They’re currently sitting in 11th, but they’re on a particularly poor run of form, losing four of their last five games.

Koscielny has been outspoken about his teammates already this month, and in a press conference on Thursday, he doubled down on his comments and refused to apologise.

“The atmosphere is average, very average,” Koscielny said. “We have to be realistic. This is a squad with an enormous number of players who are coming to the end of their contract, players who want to leave.

“We have to remain with the people who want to fight, to share, to improve. This is the end of a cycle. When you have as many players like that, who don’t give you the desire to want to work, it is difficult to have results.

“I am not going to be friends with everyone. When I speak, it is not to be negative, it is to bring those people the keys to be able to progress and be the best in the team. Aside from that, if you don’t want to hear it, you won’t hear it…

“If this implodes, it is like that. We need to move forward. You try to help people. If they don’t want to come with you, you leave them aside and move forward with the people who want to.

“After Marseille (0-0, 14th February), I said things. It certainly might have shocked certain people. They were strong words. I did not apologise, because to apologise is too easy. I said what needed to be said.”

We’ll have to wait and see whether Koscielny’s comments get the desired response. Calling out your teammates is a bold strategy because you’re just as likely to alienate them as inspire them. For his sake, let’s hope it works.