SOUTHAMPTON MANAGER Ruben Selles has explained why he left out first-choice goalkeeper for Gavin Bazunu in the 1-0 loss to Bournemouth.
Bazunu has been Saints number 1 in the league season in his debut season, but was left on the bench for relegation six-pointer against their rivals.
Alex McCarthy started for the bottom placed Premier League team in the loss and after Selles explained why he left Ireland's Bazunu out of the starting 11 and chose McCarthy.
Southampton are now odds on to be relegated from the Premier League this year.
"Alex has been working very well in the last weeks and he didn't have the chance to compete for the goalkeeper spot as he had injuries during the season," said Selles after the loss.
“Finally five weeks ago he was able to train and compete for the position and he's been very good. We try to turn every stone in the team and see how we can make them better. Alex has been training well and he's a player that has been in these situations before.
“He helped the team some years ago to stay in the Premier League with his performances and we thought that was the correct game to bring him in and then give him the chance. That's what we did.
Ruben Selles says Gavin Bazunu was unhappy but understood Alex McCarthy decision 👇#SaintsFC https://t.co/1Ywt0RNc0W
— Saints Live (@Saints_FCLive) April 28, 2023
"Alex has been training and competing really well and he showed us a good level today. The conversation has been clear and direct as usual with all three goalkeepers and with the direction that we took for the game."
The Southampton boss then went onto add that Bazunu was 'not happy' with the selection desicion on Thursday
“Of course, he wasn't happy. But he understood the decision. He is the young goalkeeper with the most minutes in Europe as we have said and he's had a good season in the Premier League," he told the media
“But I made the decision together with the rest of the technical staff using some of the facts that we just need to give it a try. Alex has been training and competing really well and he showed us a good level today.
“The conversation has been clear and direct as usual with all three goalkeepers and with the direction that we took for the game.”
Southampton's next game will be against Newcastle this Sunday.
