Neil Taylor looks set for more frustration with Swansea City – despite manager Francesco Guidolin’s insistence that their relationship is a solid one.
Taylor was clearly furious at being taken off before half-time during the 2-2 draw with Chelsea last Sunday and Guidolin later apologised to the Wales defender.
The Italian has insisted there is no lingering animosity between the pair, but gave a broad hint that Taylor could again find himself left out of the team to face Southampton on Sunday.
Asked whether or not Taylor would start in the Premier League clash at St Mary’s, Guidolin said: “We have in this period three important games and there is the possibility for him and others to play in one or two of these important games.
“He’s available like others. For me, there is no problem.
“I spoke with him (Taylor) on the bench after the substitution and in the dressing room in front of all the players. What I had to say, I have said face to face.
“I spoke about it in front of the world in the press conference and for me there is no more problem. It’s enough.
“Yes, I don’t like this situation, but it’s a possibility for a manager. I saw many other managers change before half-time and I think it’s not a problem.
“But it’s not a good moment and I wanted to say to Neil it wasn’t an easy decision for me.”
Taylor was the victim of a tactical decision after 42 minutes last Sunday as Guidolin abandoned his three centre backs experiment and reverted to a flat back four.
The 35-times capped international was visibly unhappy at the call, and could clearly be seen asking, ‘Why now?’ after taking his place in the Swansea dug-out.
Guidolin said he later apologised to Taylor, but claimed the decision was essential after Swansea, 1-0 down at the time with Chelsea dominating, fought back to draw 2-2.
Taylor’s pressing problem is trying to oust Stephen Kingsley from the Swansea team. The young Scotland international has taken advantage of Taylor’s extended post-Euro 2016 break to establish him as the first-choice left back.
Guidolin added: “We are focused on Southampton, then Manchester City. The draw was not lucky for us, but this is the situation and we will try to play well.”
Guidolin hopes to get one over Southampton manager and old friend Claude Puel on Sunday.
Puel was at Lille when Guidolin spent one season at Monaco from 2005-06, and the pair met in the United States during pre-season.
“I know him because we had a common friend in France,’ Guidolin said. ‘I spoke with him in the summer when they were in Washington. I was happy for this opportunity because he is a good manager, he has a good history in France.”