Unai Emery has listed the Nicolas Pepe transfer among the "several" problems he encountered at Arsenal that ultimately cost him his job.
Emery was sacked as Arsenal manager back in November 2019 after a poor run of form in both the Premier League and in Europe.
The Spaniard was replaced by compatriot Mikel Arteta, who has overseen a change in results at Arsenal, and who was backed to make two loan signings this January.
Emery has opened up on his time at Arsenal in an insightful interview.
In it, the Spaniard has explained how his second year was thwart with problems including Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac being attacked on the street, and Pepe taking time to settle in at Arsenal following his £72million switch.
"I am clear about my diagnosis and we did good things there. I think we had a good first year, taking two competitions well as Europa League and Premier League," said Emery, as reported by Marca via Sport Witness.
"The process was good. When we played possession, we did it; when we had to press, we did it. And we were competitive, playing as the game required. With moments of possession game and moments of three quick touches.
"This second year, we have not played well; we have not defended well; We have not been competitive; We did not transmit. And I told the players myself.
"There were several problems: four captains; the Ozil-Kolasinac case; Pepe's signing, who needs time since he came from France. We didn't play well, that's for sure."
