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By Peter Akinbo.
Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo has said that he is not worried about his limited gametime at Southampton this season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 26-year-old completed his move to the English Premier League from Rangers in the summer for a deal that could reach £10 million.
Aribo registered an incredible 70 games for club and country last season but he has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot on the South Coast for the Saints.
The Nigeria international has made 25 appearances this season but 11 of those have been from the substitutes bench and he’s not been involved in the last six matchday squads in the league. Aribo has played under three different managers at Southampton this season; Ralph Hasenhuttel, Nathan Jones and Ruben Selles, but he refused to attribute blame for his lack of minutes.
Aribo insists he’s not fazed by his predicament as he accepts that his transition to the EPL will be a process.
“It is the coach’s decision. I think every single coach has his own opinion on things,” Aribo said.
“For me I’m not really too fazed because it’s processes. For me it’s growing pains. I just need to be patient and just wait on God’s timing which is perfect.”
On accepting a different role from his time in Rangers, the midfield maestro said, “Of course, it is difficult. For any normal human it will be difficult. I don’t let that affect me too much.
“I’m pretty strong-minded so how I deal with disappointment I kind of use it to charge me and just trying to improve the best that I can. At the end of the day I shouldn’t stress but have faith.”
