Koeman says why Mane didn’t start against Stoke

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has given an explanation as to why mercurial winger Sadio Mane was left on the bench for the game against Stoke yesterday.

The Saints ended up losing the game 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Stoke forward Bojan and had a good penalty appeal turned down late on. However, before the game, all the talk was about the inclusion of Shane Long for Sadio Mane.

The Senegal international was left on the bench as the Irishman started, but failed to impress. Koeman has now revealed the reason behind this; he came back late from national duty and had an ankle injury.

He did come off the bench for Southampton but was unable to make an impact as his side succumbed to their first defeat in nine matches in all competitions. It was a flat performance and someone like Mane may have changed that had he of started.

Explaining Mane’s absence, Koeman said this:

It’s always the question after international duty to make a decision about that. Sadio came back late Thursday in the morning and didn’t have the training session with the team. He also had an ankle problem.

That was the reason I didn’t start with Sadio. Normally, without any problem, without any problem with freshness, he starts the game.

That was the reason to change it, but it’s always difficult because players are coming back.

For the manager I think it’s the most difficult decision to make, what is the best starting XI for the game because you are not really sure about the focus or the sharpness of the players.