SOUTHAMPTON MANAGER CLAUDE Puel has explained his early substitution of Ireland striker Shane Long in yesterday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.
The Saints boss brought Long on for James Ward-Prowse on the hour-mark, but then withdrew him 22 minutes later.
Long looked visibly upset with the decision and spoke to Puel and assistant manager Eric Black after being replaced by Jay Rodriguez.
He then walked straight down the tunnel.
But Puel says the forward was feeling his hamstring and the change was made as a precaution.
It was difficult,” the Frenchman told the Southern Daily Echo. “It seems that Shane felt a touch himself his hamstring and it seems a misunderstanding between him and the staff.
“It was a precaution to take off Shane but I hope it’s nothing and it will be good for Shane tomorrow or the next day.”
Shane Long gets subbed on at 60' and subbed off after 82'. Cue intense stare down with management... pic.twitter.com/Vb6HJ1AoHs
— Sean McMahon (@Sean_McMahon89) April 15, 2017
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As Gordon D’Arcy said on Sky, this was no fluke, no dodgy decision, no jammy break. Our lads simply outplayed NZ in all facets of play. To see our pack, 6kg a man lighter, destroying their scrum was a sight to behold. The confidence and belief on display was outstanding.
Congrats to everyone involved a truly historic achievement. Best of luck for the rest of the tournament.
Well done coach.
Fantastic day for Irish rugby. Carolan has done an amazing job with the under 20s. Their attitude and skill set are brilliant to watch.
Landmark day ! Remember this !!
First the women, then the boys, time for the men to step up in Chicago
As much as I think Nigel is great I have to correct him about being the first Irish Team to beat NZ . Nigel the Women’s Irish Rugby Team is the first team to beat NZ. In fact they beat them at the World Cup in France.
The piece said Irish men’s team. If you want to be picky Munster beat them in ’78 which makes them the first ever ;)
Nigels comment 3rd paragraph !!
Ow careless of Nigel to get caught up in the moment for making that slip of the tongue. Maybe you should start a petition to get him sacked. Or, you could get over it and move on (I think the second one would be better for the future of the game )
Ah Sineeeeaaaad!
Hi praise indeed from the NZ herald after todays fantastic match – doesn’t get better than this!
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=11655099