Southampton boss, Ronald Koeman was scathing of some of his players after watching his side slump to a 6th defeat in 8 games, 1-0 at Norwich.
In particular, he was talking about Saido Mane, who was late for the team meeting and Victor Wanyama who was recklessly sent off in the game.
‘I feel let down by some players, yes of course – because we had a different line-up for the game,’ said Koeman.
‘Saido was in to start but we have rules in the team and he did 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.’
Koeman revealed it was the second time that Mane had received the sanction of being dropped. ‘My message to Saido two days ago in training was that I didn’t think he was really focused and concentrated,’ Koeman added. ‘Yes I feel let down by him, but it’s felt much more by his team-mates because we are a club where we like to treat everybody very respectfully and you have responsibilities as a player, to the fans, to your team-mates, to your board, to the technical staff.
‘Also I’m angry about the second yellow card from Victor because a player with his experience needs to know if you already have a yellow in a game, that you cannot do that tackle in that position on the pitch.’
Southampton had 59&% possession in the game and some good chances at Carrow Road until being reduced to 10 men by Wanyama’s red card, but now find themselves just a point ahead of the Canaries.
‘We were the dominant team, we had the best chance in the game when Shane Long was put through, and we played some good football,’ said Koeman.
‘But it’s so unnecessary what happened because with 11 against 11, still we are stronger than we showed here. I’m angry about players who are not focused and concentrated on the club. That’s my worst disappointment.’
OTBC