Jump directly to the content
Dusan Tadic is not happy at being substituted by Claude Puel
Exclusive
TAD MIFFED

Dusan Tadic demands respect from Claude Puel after being subbed in last five games at Southampton

Saints star described it as 'unbelievable' for him to be subbed again by manager Claude Puel

DUSAN TADIC wants more respect from Claude Puel — having been subbed in FIVE straight games.

The Southampton ace revealed his frustrations after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.

 Dusan Tadic is not happy at being substituted by Claude Puel
3
Dusan Tadic is not happy at being substituted by Claude PuelCredit: Getty Images

Tadic, 28, was subbed in the EFL Cup final and had to watch as Manchester United won it 3-2 late on.

Saints also let results slip against Everton and Burnley earlier in the season after Tadic had been taken off.

The Serbia international said: “It’s unbelievable that I was subbed again and we also lost.

“You can see statistically that we concede or lose when I’ve been taken off. I don’t think this shows enough respect for me.”

Tadic fears that boss Puel has decided on subbing him BEFORE kick-off, rather than judging his performance.

 Tadic has demanded more respect from the Southampton boss
3
Tadic has demanded more respect from the Southampton bossCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

And he insists he has been fully fit since returning from a nose injury suffered against Wales in November.

Tadic said: “This has happened a lot after my broken nose. The injury was a long time ago.

“I’m playing a lot and feel I’m important for the team — but then I leave the pitch.

“I feel good but he doesn’t want to give me the chance for the whole match.

“Maybe he decided before the game he would sub me and he should not do that. He should know in the last 20 minutes there are lots of spaces and I am the kind of player that can make a difference with one move.

 Tadic has now been subbed in five straight games
3
Tadic has now been subbed in five straight gamesCredit: PA:Press Association

“As a player you want to play all game. And I think I deserve that.”

Tadic says he has spoken to Frenchman Puel about his concerns — but stopped short of questioning his future.

Tadic added: “I am not the one who decides the future but I want to be shown more respect because of the statistics.

“Everyone is always asking me whether I’m injured after I get taken off.

“We spoke before about that and I told him a few times that but he doesn’t understand. He doesn’t show enough respect for me.”

Topics