Ki-Jana Hoever: Bruno Lage should apologise to his staff after ‘shocking’ Wolves news – Agbonlahor
Bruno Lage should apologise to Wolves’ younger players and academy coaches after he publicly lambasted Ki-Jana Hoever.
That is the view of ex-Aston Villa and England attacker Gabby Agbonlahor, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Lage’s “shocking” comments following his side’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday (5 March).
Hoever was handed his fourth Premier League start of the season against Palace but was substituted with an injury after 25 minutes.
As quoted by Sky Sports News after the game, his manager claimed he has too many young players who do not prepare properly and suggested that was the reason for Hoever’s injury.
The Athletic reported yesterday (7 March) his comments caused widespread surprise amongst his staff.
“I think that’s shocking management,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“What does that say to all of the other young lads and the players in the academy?
“I understand he got injured but maybe say that to him privately, you don’t have to say certain things publicly.
“Maybe say something like that in private, tell him he’s got to do better with his preparation.
“Those are shocking comments. If I’m in the academy or an academy coach, I’m fuming.
“What does that message say to the younger players? They are shocking comments and I think he should apologise.”
Hoever was handed a rare start against Crystal Palace because Nelson Semedo is out injured and Jonny Castro Otto has only just returned from back-to-back ACL injuries.
Wolves are next in action on Thursday when they host Everton and Jonny could make his first Premier League start in almost a year.
In other news, Pedro Neto has already forced a star out of Wolves after February news.