Southampton coach explains his decision not to start Tella vs Manchester City

Published: March 11, 2021

Manchester 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".

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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