Medical expert salutes ‘unbelievably creative’ Southampton for ‘exploiting loophole’
Southampton deserve “kudos” for their unique method of stopping play and recharging for the closing throes of a game.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
A Saints player went down between the 60th and 70th minute in 14 of their first 24 league games in 2021-22, per The Athletic last Wednesday (16 February).
This gives Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side the chance to cosume water and energy gels as well as receive tactical instruction ahead of the final stages.
Dinnery saluted Southampton for their ingenuity.
“You have to say fair play to Southampton,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“At the highest level, you’re looking for marginal gains. Any edge you can look to gain, you’ve got to do that.
“Whoever thought of that, you have to take your hat off to them. Within the rules of the game, they’re not doing anything wrong.
“If a player goes down injured, they need to be assessed. If that provides a chance for teammates to refuel and combat the effects of fatigue, why not?
“It gives them the opportunity to recharge for the final 15 or so minutes of the game. Kudos to those in the Southampton camp who thought of that.
“Other clubs will stand up and take note and look to implement their own strategies on the back of that.
“It’s unbelievably creative. It’s always those one or two per cents that make the difference.
“If people aren’t happy, change the rules. But while there’s a loophole that they can look to exploit, go for it.”
Southampton are 10th in the league table after their 2-0 win at home to Everton last Saturday (19 February).
They are next in action against Norwich City on Friday (25 February).
In other news, ex-Fifa official claims Southampton are “cheating fans” and referees should now be on red alert.