Ronald Koeman has said the reason for dropping forward Sadio Mane in the win over Swansea City was because of the struggles he has had in recent performances.
Long nets winner
A 69th minute header from Shane Long brought Southampton the three points from the trip to Wales, which in the process brought a fifth win in six and a sixth consecutive clean-sheet.
This brings Koeman's side to sixth place and just one point behind fifth place Manchester United. Mane hasn't scored in the Premier League since way back in October, was an unused substitute and the boss confirmed a change in tactic played a role behind Mane's omission.
Explaining that his team play "a little bit different at the moment," the Dutchman told the media that Southampton "don't play with three in front", but instead "two strikers", which lessens the chance of Mane starting.
Mane doing his best
Mane is still putting in some great performances, but is finding it really tough to find the back of the net, however Koeman is confident that it won't be long until the goals start flying in again. Praising his man for "working hard", Koeman admitted that "what he can show and what he can do for the team was not like that".
Austin chance on the way
Koeman has hinted that new signing Charlie Austin will get his chance from the start in the upcoming games and that the competition in his squad is a real healthy one, one that he is really relishing. Austin scored on his debut at Old Trafford, but has been limited to just sub appearances since his arrival to the Premier League side last month.
"It's all about opportunities," the Dutchman added. "At the moment he is not starting but that can change in one or two weeks."
