Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino has said that his side “need” striker Manolo Gabbiadini but warned the Saints forward that he needs to be better prepared for action, as reported by the Daily Echo.
The Italian, Gabbiadini has struggled to sustain a regular starting place under Pellegrino, which has seen him net just three goals so far this season.
He made quite the impact when he arrived at the club last January, scoring six in his first four games after joining from Napoli for £14.6 million.
The Italian has started just four games out of the last 22 in all competitions since scoring a brace against Newcastle at St Mary’s in November.
Gabbiadini could be brought in from the cold this weekend as Saints prepare for their tie with West Brom in the last 16 of the FA Cup, with Charlie Austin ruled out and Shane Long unlikely to feature in the game.
Pellegrino spoke about the situation of the player.
The thing for the player is you have to be really well prepared. Our reaction on the pitch is about preparation before the game. It’s about what you did in your past, how you prepare every single week.
The attitude is a preview of the preparation to move to the action and this is the most important at this level.
He continued and went on to add:
Manolo has to be prepared. He played against Spurs at home and he didn’t have many chances but, for me, he’s a really important player for the club. We need him.
He’s working fine. He’s working hard but sometimes I have made decisions for the best of the team.
