Monday 18 April 2016

‘He has to accept the situation’ Chelsea boss explains Nemanja Matic benching


Photo credit: www.zimbio.com

According to London24 news online, Guus Hiddink says the midfield balance between Cesc Fabregas and John Obi Mikel is the main reason why Nemanja Matic has endured such a frustrating season but admits he must accept the current situation.

Matic was a key cog in the Chelsea side that romped to the Premier League title last season but he has played for 90 minutes in just three league games since January and has often been on the bench. Hiddink has made Mikel a key figure since returning for a second spell in interim charge and the Dutchman explained the Nigerian is a key reason why Matic has been an onlooker for long spells.

Guus Hiddink was quoted saying:


“Every now and then he has played, he has made his minutes as well in my period,” he explained.

“When you choose a midfield you can play with Fabregas, Matic and an attacking midfielder player like Loftus-Cheek did against Manchester City. But you can also play with Mikel and I have played him from the start and he is doing well.

“I appreciate Matic as well but they have to accept the situation as it is. Nevertheless, he has made his minutes.”

When asked about Matic’s training ground displays he replied: “I can’t complain about anything.

“But in some positions you have two strong players and then I have to make a choice. When we play Fabregas with his creative play, then we pick a player to compensate (defensively) like Mikel, who can cover but is also good at short passing.”

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