Ivan Juric unveils truth behind recalling star performer midway during last week | OneFootball

Ivan Juric's out-of-the-box decision to substitute Welington after the first half left the fans visibly confused. Ahead of the Brighton fixture, Juric has revealed his thoughts propelling that unconventional call.

Imagine, a Premier League team is trailing by two goals in a must-win match. Further, that game is a massive local derby instead of an ordinary top-flight fixture.

Without a doubt, goals are the urgent need of the hour to help stage a comeback. Despite knowing that, a defender is brought on to replace the lineup's most consistent one.

I know anyone would be left bewildered at this scenario and more so, when the squad is already feeling the absence of starting defenders. This same reaction was evident from the Saints when they witnessed Welington receiving his marching orders at half-time.

Undoubtedly, a curiosity has remained among the fans since that moment. Well, why wouldn't it be? Just recently, Flynn Downes has been reinstated into the matchday squad so another such situation isn't completely dismissed yet.

Ivan Juric unveils truth behind recalling star performer midway during last week

Fortunately, Juric made the substitution while prioritizing an attacking tactic in mind.

As quoted by the Daily Echo, Juric said: "I think against Bournemouth, there was a lack of intensity in him. That's it, but it doesn't change my opinion about Welington."

Going by Juric's words, the Croatian seems to be trying to utilize his fullbacks on both ends of the pitch. In other words, he wants them to maintain the defensive shape while frequently lending a helping hand to the attackers.

If you tune in to watch European football, then you might have seen Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini working with a similar ideology. Not much ago, Juric was also likened to Gasperini himself.