Along with the antics of Diego Costa in last Sunday's clash with Chelsea, one of the main talking points was the first half substitution of Swansea full-back, Neil Taylor.
Francesco Guidolin started out with a back three of Stephen Kinglsey, Jordi Amat and Federico Fernandez, with Taylor as a left wing-back and Kyle Naughton on the opposite flank. He opted for a midfield diamond consisting of Ki Sung-yeung, Jack Cork, Leroy Fer and Gylfi Sigurdsson and Fernando Llorente as the lone striker, but brought off Taylor In the 42nd minute of the 2-2 draw with Chelsea after a host of individual errors and a slow start in the desired formation.
Guidolin was looking for an instant impact when Modou Barrow was the man to replace Taylor, and the defence reverted to a flat-back-four.
The resulting confrontation was what hit the headlines. Taylor took his place in the dug-out and when boss Guidolin turned to shake Taylor’s hand the Welshman seemed hesitant and was believed to have fumed: “Why do it now? Wait 'til half time, it’s in front of everyone.”
Apology
Soon after the game, speaking to the press Francesco Guidolin apologised to the 27-year-old, stating: "I'm sorry with Neil Taylor because I'm not used to changing a player before half-time." He added, "If I waited three minutes, maybe it was better for him, but Mo [Barrow] was ready five minutes before and I decided to change.”
The Swans boss then revealed that the issue had been put to rest after speaking to the left back, "No problem between me and Neil. I spoke with him in the dressing room. I think this change was good for us."
Should Taylor bow to Guidolin?
Was the manager correct to say sorry? Is this a sign of so-called player power?
It is certainly hard to imagine Sir Alex Ferguson publicly apoligising to a player who has just questioned his leadership and blatantly disrespected his authority in front of the cameras and the millions watching at home. Never mind an apology, that player would probably be lucky to put on a Manchester United shirt again if that was the circumstance.
Some fans even took to social media declaring Taylor should be the apoligetic party, not the boss. When all is said and done Guidolin will be the man questioned on results and he is the one who will face the critics when things go pear-shaped, not Neil Taylor.