Skip to content

Dortmund boss jokes Aubameyang is 'terrible' to ward off Real Madrid

ODD ANDERSEN / AFP / Getty

Borussia Dortmund manager Peter Bosz tried his hand at reverse psychology in an effort to quell Real Madrid's reported interest in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Reports had suggested a move away from Dortmund was imminent for the Gabonese striker. He even added fuel to speculation when he appeared to be unhappy with the club after former teammate Ousmane Dembele completed a lucrative move to Barcelona.

He eventually remained at the club, and talks over a potential transfer cooled down once the summer window closed. But, as Dortmund prepares to take on Real Madrid on Wednesday, Bosz found himself fielding questions over Aubameyang's future and, in return, opted for a unique approach in an attempt to persuade Los Blancos from pursuing the 28-year-old.

"He is a terrible player, very bad, not worth it for Real Madrid," he quipped, according to Carlos Forjanes of AS. "It's a joke. I'm telling you that so he stays with us. He is excellent and has the quality to play for Real Madrid but I hope he stays here."

Aubameyang has struggled this season to repeat the form that saw him win the Bundesliga scoring title last term, but that likely won't prevent teams from returning to the bargaining table.

Interested suitors, however, will likely be asked to pay a similar fee to the €100-million asking price Dortmund demanded last summer.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox