Fonte is left to fume on bench again
JOSE FONTE is set to be kept on the bench for Southampton’s Europa League decider tonight, just days after criticising manager Claude Puel’s rotation policy.
The Manchester United target is angry at failing to feature in the Saints’ European adventure despite helping them climb from League One to the Premier League.
The club captain is also engaged in a bitter contract dispute, leaving him facing a departure from St Mary’s when the transfer window opens.
But defiant Puel is once again ready to pick Japan defender Maya Yoshida ahead of his skipper in a match the Saints need to win to reach the knockout stages, although a 0-0 draw will also suffice.
Puel said: “It’s a different situation. In the last match against Sparta normally Jose would have played but he was injured. Now it’s a situation where we rotate and I’m happy and satisfied with Maya.
“We are lucky to have good centre-backs with Virgil van Dijk, Jose, Maya and also Jack Stephens, who is an international player with the Under-21s.
“Jack also played just one game and deserves game time as well. I consider the balance with all the players and not just with some important players.
“Maya played very well in different games in this cup and is an important player, like Virgil and Jose. For me, it’s important to consider all the team and the collective and to respect this.”
Southampton are willing to listen to offers for Fonte, who is wanted by former manager Ronald Koeman at Everton, after refusing to meet his request for a new long-term deal.
Fonte, 32, who has played 150 Premier League games, took to social media to deny club claims he had been offered a new deal worth £80,000 a week.
Puel refused to discuss the row yesterday. The Frenchman said: “It is a situation and discussion between the player and the club. The most important thing for me is to speak about the team and about the game and not just this personal situation.”
Fonte’s team-mate Steven Davis insists the contract wrangle will not affect the Portugal Euro 2016 winner’s performances. The Northern Ireland midfielder said: “We all know what the club mean to Jose and what Jose means to the club.
“He obviously has a personal situation that hasn’t been discussed in the dressing room. He is still the same character and is working hard every day in training to be the best he can.”
On their chances of a place in the last 32, Davis said: “We are aware there are different permutations but our mentality is to try to win the game. We have had two good results at home in the Europa League so we want to continue that.” SOUTHAMPTON (probable): Forster; Martina, Yoshida, Van Dijk, McQueen; Romeu; Clasie, Davis; Boufal; Long, Sims.