'Was only able to train for two days' -  Gent coach stands by his decision to bring on Gift Orban in 84th minute 

Gent boss Hein Vanhaezebrouck has explained the reason behind bringing on Gift Orban as a late substitute in his side's 1-1 draw with league leader Union Saint-Gilloise on Sunday afternoon at the Ghemlaco Arena.

With the game deadlocked at 1-1, the home fans started calling for the introduction of Orban whom they felt could have influenced the scoreline.

Vanhaezebrouck would later bow to pressure and brought on the Nigerian striker in the 84th minute as a replacement for Malick Fofana but could not have any influence on the encounter.

In his post-match conference, the Belgian tactician explained the reason behind bringing on the 2023 Super Eagles invitee in the closing stages. 

In quotes relayed by Voetbalkrant, Vanhaezebrouck explained: "He was hit by Delaney and was in the rag for two weeks, so he was only able to train for two days.

"If he is fit in training, then we will see who plays. But how many goals has he already scored this season? And a striker does more than just score goals.

"Do you think we would get four chances thanks to pressing with Gift Orban on the field? He has trained for two days, you have to stay serious.

"Tarik Tissoudali misses a few open chances, but he does help create those chances. By putting pressure, by making an action, ... Not many teams can afford a striker who only kicks in by hitting the right place."

The relationship between Orban and his manager appears to have gone south with the 21-year-old coming out to express his frustration about the lack of game time 

He has started just 6 games in the Jupiler Pro League this season due to his dip in form, having scored just one goal since the start of September.

The diminutive striker has been linked with a departure from Gent in January but it remains to be seen whether his seemingly broken relationship with Vanhaezebrouck will hasten his departure.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid
 

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