complete back Russell Martin maintained that although Ryan Manning was upset about being excluded against Coventry, he “respected” the decision.
The Irish international was left out of Southampton’s starting lineup for their Tuesday night 2-1 victory over the Sky Blues. The sole defender listed on the bench was Jan Bednarek, who was joined for extra cover by the adaptable Shea Charles.
James Bree and Kyle Walker-Peters began the game for Saints at fullback, while Jack Stephens, who has previously played left-back, started at center-half.
“We played the two fullbacks and we wanted the most attacking bench we could have,” the manager responded when asked why Manning had been left off the roster.
“Given their style of play, I anticipated Shea Charles would appear eventually, and he did. Shea regrettably missed out on becoming a member of the team for the previous two games.
“He handled it quite nicely. Ryan is in the same boat. They are obviously upset over being cut from the squad. Ryan and I had a conversation yesterday.
“Despite his disagreement with the decision, he respects it because our connection is excellent. It feels like we’ve been working together for the past three years. I know him inside and out and he knows me inside and out.”My desire for more attacking options on the bench has nothing to do with it.
