Gasperini explains Kone and Balerdi substitutions: “The first one can’t play 90 minutes yet, Balerdi suffered cramps.” | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini, in a press conference, explained the reason for the substitution of Manu Koné, who scored a stunning brace in the first half.

For the Giallorossi coach, the French midfielder doesn’t have the legs to play 90 minutes: “My choice, Koné. He’d dropped off a bit in midfield: since the start of the season, he hasn’t had the stamina to play 90 minutes; he had a tough season last season.”

“Pisilli, however, did well, as did Rensch. Hermoso, there were only a few minutes left and I needed freshness. I must say I wasn’t able to make any changes up front, but Soulé improved towards the end, and I felt like we were still dangerous even in the second half.”

Gian Piero Gasperini was bitter about the substitution of Balerdi, who was forced to sit out due to cramps: “We signed him convinced he would be a good reinforcement. His injury was a crucial moment in the match; we didn’t want him: it’s cramps, but he was struggling to stay on the pitch.”

The Giallorossi coach was very satisfied with the Argentine defender’s performance: “It doesn’t take anything away from another sumptuous performance.”