Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Ronald Koeman sends warning to Southampton star after West Ham blunder
RONALD KOEMAN has advised Southampton’s Victor Wanyama to stop diving into tackles after the midfielder picked up his third red card of the season and a five-match suspension.
Ronald Koeman says Victor Wanyama must stay on his feet more often
The Kenyan was sent off for a challenge on West Ham’s Dimitri Payet on Saturday and will only return on March 19, but Koeman said the team could cope without him.
"Of course it is very disappointing, first for the player and also for the team because he's a key player and always in the starting lineup," the Saints boss said ahead of their trip to Swansea.
Koeman, who was regarded as one of the best defenders in the world during his playing career, said he had given Wanyama some pointers to help him improve his decision-making.
"I've spoken to him and said sometimes it's better to stay on your feet," the Dutchman added.
Victor Wanyama was shown his third red card of the season against West Ham
Victor Wanyama was dismissed for a tackle on Dimitri Payet
"He's suspended for five games and that's a long time but we have to accept that. We have enough competition in the squad to replace Victor."
Southampton are seventh in the table and will register their sixth Premier League clean sheet in a row if they stop Swansea from scoring on Saturday.