Unai Emery clarified that Jadon Sancho’s early substitution against Manchester City was a planned fitness move, not a disciplinary action.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has explained his decision to substitute Jadon Sancho after just 45 minutes in the 1-0 victory over Manchester City, insisting the move was part of a prearranged plan to build the winger’s fitness.
Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, replaced Emi Buendia early in the match after the Argentine picked up a foot injury. The 24-year-old came close to scoring when he was twice denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma before being replaced by Evann Guessand in the 74th minute.
Speaking after the game, Emery said the substitution was not a reaction to Sancho’s performance. “It was not a punishment, it was a plan – he played 45 minutes. The other sub players were ready. Malen, Maatsen and Barkley were all very good,” he stated.
Emery added, “It was not easy, firstly, after Sancho played 60 minutes against Go Ahead. He is getting fit, but not enough. I planned as well with him to play him in the second half, but after the injury to Buendia, I decided to get him on the field as best as possible to get minutes and fitness.”