Earlier in the week, Gervinho announced that he’s still suffering from stress after the African Cup of Nations final defeat to Zambia last month.
Having missed the penalty that ultimately cost Ivory Coast the trophy, the 24-year-old forward has struggled to find his form and told The Sun on Thursday:
‘I have come back from a nightmarish African Nations Cup. We lost out on the trophy in the final in sickening fashion. I’ve become more and more tired, both physically and mentally.’
I think it is a problem that we are going to see more and more with the ACON because it is a huge tournament to be involved in that comes with its own pressures. Travelling and expecting players to come back and compete at Premier League level is going to be hard for any player to get back in to. Some will no doubt argue that with the wages these players are receiving week in week out that yes they should be capable of it, and in a sense they are right.
But Gervinho obviously has been suffering the emotional effects of missing a penalty in the final and in doing so losing the African Cup of Nations. Perhaps he needs a couple of weeks to rest and recharge his batteries, which I think now would be best for him at this stage of the season.
Gervinho did however give some words of encouragement:
‘It has not been easy emotionally either, so it is natural to be suffering the after-effects. But I am not worried and I’m going to come back stronger than ever.’
Let’s hope so Geo. I for one hope you find the form you showcased in pre-season and at the start of the campaign.
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One of the better ways to cope with stress stemming from failures on the pitch is to go out and play until everything starts to click. Wenger will obviously use Gervinho either as a sub or as a starter, depending on matchday fitness, and I really think it’s for the best.
Even before ACN, he wasn’t as self-assured and productive as he should’ve been, so the change isn’t that significant, either. He needs playing time to adjust himself to Arsenal, and maybe, just maybe, he’ll come out on top of things before this season ends.
The best way for a supposed warrior to cope with combat, is further war.