In speaking before his team’s game with Lorient this weekend, Montpellier coach discussed the performance and position of captain Téji Savanier upon his return from a three game ban last week and compared him to Manchester United attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
“We spoke with Téji before his return last week, to try and curb his desires a little – or rather to manage them. His second half was perhaps less intense, but I’d also asked him to play higher up. He did that, but the passes also need to arrive. Maybe we saw him a little less, but the main thing is that he is effective in certain areas. A boy like Téji can’t help but sometimes come deep to pick up the ball.”
“I watched other players of the calibre of Téji this week, at big clubs, and many need to come deep and pick up the ball at some point. Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United, for example, sometimes drops deep to touch the ball. We also talked about it with Téji, the main thing is to find balance. He may actually be more effective for the team if he plays a little higher in certain areas.“