Dortmund leaves 'not so focused' Aubameyang out of squad
DORTMUND, Germany (AP) Borussia Dortmund left star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of its squad to face Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga on Sunday for ''disciplinary reasons.''
It was the second time this season that the Gabon striker has been dropped by Dortmund in this way, and the third time overall.
Dortmund coach Peter Stoeger said before the 0-0 draw with Wolfsburg that the decision was taken as Aubameyang was ''not so focused at the moment,'' having failed to turn up for a club appointment the previous day.
Stoeger's predecessor Peter Bosz dropped Aubameyang in November for inviting a film crew to the club's facilities and then turning up late for training, while previous coach Thomas Tuchel dropped him for taking an unsanctioned trip to Milan.
Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said he expected Aubameyang to turn up for training on Monday ''like any other player.''
But Zorc criticized the 28-year-old player for his behavior, saying he had always been professional until his various infringements.
''I'm looking at it over the longer term. From the point of view of indiscipline, missing appointments, there comes a point when it's no longer tolerated and that's where we are today,'' Zorc said.
''It brings unease into the team and that's not good,'' Zorc added.
Aubameyang has 13 league goals this season.
