Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has said that he took defender Abdul Baba Rahman off at half-time after his mistake because he was aware of the team’s past problems in defence.
Baba didn’t exactly cover himself in glory for Shane Long’s opening goal for Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday and it was no surprise that he was taken off.
He was replaced by talented youngster Kenedy, who has regularly been used as an emergency left-back this season despite mainly being a winger.
Speaking after the game Hiddink said that he was aware of past problems in defence, which is why he brought Baba off, and he admitted that it was harsh on the youngster.
Hiddink is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: “I don’t want to make a fake injury. I took him off because of the error. He has to cope with that. He was very down in the locker room about his mistake, but we have to make decisions like we did.”
Chelsea trailed at half-time but thanks to goals from Cesc Fabregas and Branislav Ivanovic they managed to secure the win, Southampton’s first defeat in six games.
Baba rarely started under Jose Mourinho but at the moment Chelsea’s injury problems means that Hiddink has no option but to
start him.
Kurt Zouma is out long-term whilst John Terry has been struggling with a knock, which leaves Hiddink with just four fit defenders.
Chelsea face Norwich in midweek in what could be a crucial game for the club as they look to try and continue they ascent up the table.
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