Southampton coach explains his decision not to start Tella vs Manchester City
Published: March 11, 2021Manchester City returned to winning ways at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening, comfortably thrashing Southampton 5-2.
Kevin De Bruyne opened and closed the scoring, while a Riyad Mahrez brace sandwiched Ilkay Gundogan's strike for Pep Guardiola's team, with James Ward-Prowse and Che Adams netting for the visitors.
Fresh from an eye-catching display against Sheffield United last weekend, Nathan Tella did not make the starting lineup and entered the game as a substitute at half-time.
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has inferred that the Super Eagles target was not in the starting XI because he was being saved for the upcoming clash against Brighton & Hove.
In truth, Tella will find it difficult starting three physically demanding Premier League matches in a space of eight days.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Hasenhuttl explained : "The players for the weekend we saved them, yes they are maybe available for the weekend.
"Ibrahima had thirty minutes today, Takumi was out, Nathan Tella I think came on at half-time".
"Ibrahima had thirty minutes today, Takumi was out, Nathan Tella I think came on at half-time".
Former Arsenal schoolboy Tella has recorded a dozen appearances for Southampton's first team so far this season, including ten in the Premier League.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : southamptonfc.com
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All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
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