Alexandre Lacazette’s agent insists the Arsenal striker is not worried about being benched for big games, adding "everything is fine" between the Frenchman and Arsene Wenger.
Lacazette was dropped for the second time in a big away game for the trip to Manchester City, though scored within minutes of his second-half introduction during the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.
While Wenger’s decision was criticised by some after the game, Lacazette’s agent said the striker – who also started on the bench for the 4-0 loss to Liverpool in August – is not concerned about the situation.
“It’s not worrying, because he played at Chelsea,” David Venditelli told SFR Sport. “Our way of working is to relativise things: 11 matches, nine starts.
"Of course, it’s not nice to see that he didn’t start the match, but it was – as Arsene Wenger explained – for tactical reasons.
"He’s learning. Alex needs to have calm around him. He’s happy, and Arsenal are too with his work.
"It’s not because a player doesn’t play, even though it’s two important games of course.He would have preferred to have played them.”
Lacazette, Arsenal’s club-record signing, has so far impressed in his early performances, netting six goals in 12 appearances.
Both Alan Shearer and Martin Keown have called for the forward to confront Wenger over a lack of starts in the biggest Premier League games.
But Venditelli said while Lacazette would have preferred to play, he is comfortable with his situation.
“When you’re outside the club, I can understand the questions,” he added. “I think Alex isn’t complaining about his playing time, even if he would prefer to start games like those against City or Liverpool.
“But he talks to the manager, the staff – there’s no problem. Afterwards, there’s a choice made.
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“You can’t, every time your player doesn’t play, even if it’s Alexandre Lacazette, knock on the door or pick up the phone and talk to the manager. No no, it’s not time yet. Everything is fine.”