Dean Smith wants his players to be frustrated if they fail to get on the pitch, but warns they must show it in the right way after Morgan Sanson’s recent outburst, via Birmingham Live.
Sanson was incensed at Arsenal last week after Smith left the Frenchman on the bench as Villa chased a comeback. Introducing Leon Bailey, Jacob Ramsey and Anwar El Ghazi during the second-half instead, after a doleful opening 45-minute period.
Smith’s decision meant Sanson’s wait for his first Premier League appearance since April 4 continued. He responded angrily on the touchline in front of the Villans boss after being overlooked, as the 27-year-old bids to get his career back on track after injuries.
Smith is fine with his Aston Villa players being annoyed if overlooked, but warns Sanson’s reaction overstepped what is acceptable. The Villans boss also accepts Sanson has reason to be frustrated, having not featured in the league in six-months.
“He’s had a frustrating time because he’s been injured for quite a while since he’s been here,” Smith said. “He never got on the pitch and there’s a way of showing your frustrations, and I dealt with that afterwards.
“I had players frustrated when we were winning four on the spin last season. So, I don’t get too worried about players being frustrated at not playing because that’s what I want.”
Should Smith have introduced Sanson amid Aston Villa fightback attempt?
Sanson’s wait for his first Premier League minutes since April will continue this weekend, as illness means Smith will be without the midfielder when Aston Villa host West Ham United.
Another strong showing from Ramsey on Sunday after his goal at Arsenal could now hinder Sanson’s hopes of minutes. The youngster has been a star for Smith and will be itching to regain a starting role himself. Having opened five of eight top-flight outings so far this term.
Sanson, meanwhile, has only played 42-minutes all season after sustaining another injury in the Carabao Cup. With the £48k-a-week ace developing a hamstring issue at Chelsea on his return from a lengthy knee injury.
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