Newcastle coach Eddie Howe clarifies that Sandro Tonali was subbed off against Manchester City because of a cramp: ‘That’s how you want a player to exit the pitch.’
Tonali started in Newcastle’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Saturday but was subbed off in the second half after receiving medical treatment.
Newcastle coach Howe denied that the Italian midfielder had suffered an injury and was more concerned about Kieran Trippier.
“I think that’s how you want a player to exit the pitch, really. I think that’s the difference between this week and last week; both players had given everything they could give more, and they had to come off, and I always say to the players, ‘That’s how I want you to play,” said the English coach as quoted by Shieldsgazette.
“Both players had, for different reasons, broken pre-seasons. You can still see Sandro’s got a little bit of fitness work to do to get to his best; he comes off with cramp, and Kieran, we hope his cramp, but we’re not 100% sure at the moment.”
Tonali was involved in an off-the-ball scuffle with Man City’s Jack Grealish in the second half, which cost both players a yellow card.
A former Milan and Brescia midfielder, Tonali has recently returned to action after a 10-month ban for illegal betting.
He is expected to be called up by Italy CT Luciano Spalletti for upcoming Nations League games against Belgium and Israel.
Tonali provided one assist in Italy’s 3-1 away win over France earlier this month.