Villarreal coach Emery explains Kubo absence for victory over Levante | OneFootball

Villarreal coach Unai Emery says his decision to drop Takefusa Kubo from his squad to face Levante on Saturday was due to him wanting to leave.

The former Arsenal coach revealed that the Japanese forward is unhappy with his role with the Yellow Submarine and is willing to depart in January in search of playing time elsewhere.

"I spoke with [Kubo] two days ago and asked him about the information that comes in, if he really wants to stay or go," said Emery after Villarreal's 2-1 win over Levante.

"He confirmed that he was looking for a way out because he plays less than he thinks he has to play. We have never said that we want him to depart. I look for players who think of Villarreal.

"His behaviour is good and when he has had his head at Villarreal he has helped us.

"He still lacks things, but he has the potential to continue growing, with patience and by getting more playing minutes and experiences. But he considers that in his situation he needs to play more."