Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has revealed that he dropped star player Sadio Mane after the winger turned up late to a team meeting.

  • By Amos Abuga
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koeman maneThe Southampton manager left out star player Sadio Mane from the Saints starting line up in their defeat to Norwich on disciplinary grounds over the weekend. His brave move was criticized by some fans who feel there should be exceptions, given the immense contribution by the winger on the pitch.

“I feel let down by some players, yes of course – because we had a different line-up for the game,” said the Dutchman.

“Sadio was in to start but we have rules in the team and he made a big mistake before the game in our last meeting. He came late and that’s impossible.

“Everybody knows that we have a sanction – you don’t start. So then you have to make changes in the team, changes to all the set-pieces, everything.

“I don’t understand it. I don’t understand a player that comes in late to the last meeting. You will have to ask him why. I don’t know. I didn’t ask – otherwise then you get into details and it is already too late.”

Koeman acknowledged it was the second time Mane had received the sanction.

“My message to Sadio two days ago in training was that I didn’t think he was really focused and concentrated,” Koeman added.

Mane is a player in demand with reported interest from Manchester United, but Koeman showed great strength in disciplining the winger, who could take the decision the wrong way and force a move.

 

The sports fraternity must follow what the like of Koeman are doing. No shortcut to success.




Amos Ondieki (24 Posts)

Amos is a Kenyan who is passionate with sports but has a bias for football. Currently doing his MBA course from the Greenwich and Saxion Universities. follow him on Twitter @AMOKC1oo1