Gameiro not surprised by Ben Arfa struggles

Hatem Ben Arfa will be a first-team regular under Unai Emery once he starts to impress the Paris Saint-Germain head coach in training, says Kevin Gameiro.

Gameiro played for Emery at Sevilla for the past three seasons and admits there were tough times under the 44-year-old that would see players who were deemed not to be working hard enough sidelined.

Ben Arfa was expected to be a key player in the new-look PSG this season after getting his career back on track at Nice last season, the attacking midfielder scoring 18 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions.

However, he has only started three times this season, with Emery even leaving out of matchday squads altogether at times.

He will get his chance eventually, though, according to Gameiro, but only once he performs to the best of his ability in training.

“He’s [Emery] a really good person,” he told But Football Club. “I’ve had a great time with him and others more difficult. It can be very hard sometimes!

“When he sees a player who works and wants, he ends up rewarding them.

“[Am I surprised by the Ben Arfa situation?] Oh no! Not at all because I know the coach. 

“I know his reactions and how he thinks. I know Hatem will eventually play. At that time, he will be performing. If he is, he will play more and more. 

“Emery likes poking his players to react them. I’ve been there with him.”

Ben Arfa last played for PSG on September 9 and was an unused substitute in their 2-0 win over Bordeaux last Saturday.