Fonte has not played a single minute of European football this season.
Southampton defender Jose Fonte appears to be frustrated at not featuring in the Europa League this season, according to the Daily Echo, after helping the side reach the competition with a sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season.
Saints boss Claude Puel has rotated his side throughout the season so far, which has meant his skipper has yet to line up for one of their European games.
Southampton face a crunch fixture on Thursday evening when they come up against Hapoel Be’er Sheva as they aim to reach the knock-out stages of the competition.
Fonte is quoted in the Daily Echo, saying: “I worked really hard last year to play Europa League.
“I worked really hard and obviously I’m disappointed, but I have to accept the decision from the manager and be ready when I am called to play.
“If I’m called to play Europa League, I will be there, as simple as that.
“It is [frustrating], but it’s football. Like the manager said, he wants people to be 100 per cent fit for every game. You have to accept the decision and move on.”
One can understand the frustration from Fonte given that he may feel is missing out on the reward of last season’s achievements. His usual centre-back partner Virgil van Dijk has featured in every game alongside Maya Yoshida.
It would be a little concerning if Fonte did not want to play a part in these games, but he clearly respects the decision of his manager, who wants his side to be as fresh as possible.
It is clear that the 32-year-old will be pushing for his place in the side ahead of Thursday’s game. While Southampton are fancied to go through, there is always the chance of them being knocked out, and Fonte would not want to have no European football under his belt at all this season after the hard work of last term.
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