Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did not feature for Borussia Dortmund when they played host to VfL Wolfsburg on Matchday 18. Sporting director Michael Zorc and head coach Peter Stöger explained the reason behind the disciplinary measure taken.

"He wasn't in the squad because he missed a very important team meeting yesterday – all the lads were there, even the ones who're still injured," Stöger explained to Sky, adding: "That leads me to believe at this moment in time that it's not so important to him and that he's not so focused. In such a case, I think, there have to be consequences. He was still a little bit surprised nonetheless; he didn't quite perceive it in this way. We talked through it today, but for us it's still a very clear matter. The meeting was clearly announced. If he doesn't want to attend, then another player who is focused on the important task will play. He briefly indicated that he had forgotten, but we all know that that's not quite the case."

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This decision, clarified Stöger, was initially only taken for the match against VfL Wolfsburg: "Anyone who knows me is aware that I am not vindictive. But I react if I think that it's something important. He can be back in action for the team next week."

Zorc: "We fully support the decision"

Michael Zorc shared his thoughts on the matter with Sky after the match: "I'm assuming that Aubameyang will be back in training tomorrow. Peter Stöger already clearly explained the events of Saturday before the game. We fully support his decision, eventually you reach a point where it can no longer be tolerated. That's where we are now. He missed a team meeting where procedures were discussed for a match due to take place the following day, and it was a really important match at that – the Bundesliga restart. Not only does it bring a sense of unease to the team, but it's also unacceptable. Perhaps I see it in a slightly different context to the coach. Because it is the third time in the space of a year that he has been omitted from the squad for disciplinary reasons. We had a highly contentious discussion today. I don't know what's going through his mind. It wasn't always the case, he always used to be a very disciplined player. As a club we have now imposed a punishment of a suspension and it goes without saying there will be a financial penalty too." (br/djg)