Jose Fonte was on the bench for Southampton’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth.
Southampton manager Claude Puel has played down suggestions of a fallout with Jose Fonte after he was rested for the side’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth, the Daily Echo reports.
Puel suggested that Fonte was rotated, with Maya Yoshida coming in for the Portugal international to partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of their defence.
The Saints boss has often made changes to his side this season in order to keep everyone fresh.
Puel is quoted in the Daily Echo, saying: “It’s not possible to keep a good level every three days and I think we are lucky to have quality on the squad with Maya, you can see, van Dijk and Jose and (Jack) Stephens, an international player with the under-21s.
“It is important to develop the team and maintain quality with good fit and good spirit for the future because we need all the players.
“I think when I saw him after the game he was very happy for the team, for the club and for him.
“It was a strong game and it’s not just the players in the ground who win this game but all the squad because all the players can have regularity and a good result.”
The report in the Daily Echo said that a ‘frank exchange of views’ appeared to have taken place between Puel and Fonte prior to the game.
Anything that looks remotely like a frank conversation is likely to fuel speculation given the reported interest in the defender, and in light of recent comments from Fonte that he was not offered a new contract in the summer, with other Premier League clubs reported to be interested in him.
One would expect Fonte to return for Southampton’s next game against Tottenham Hotspur on the Wednesday following Christmas as Puel will aim to keep his side fresh and competitive during a busy period of their season.
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