- Watford manager hooked Nestory Irankunda in first half
- Aussie teenager was left seething at the bold decision
- Scores of Watford fans then turned on Paulo Pezzolano
Despite being taunted by his own supporters, Watford manager Paulo Pezzolano has no regrets about replacing young gun Nestory Irankunda against Portsmouth in the Championship.
Irankunda, 19, was off the pace at Fratton Park in the midweek fixture, but the Socceroos winger was still furious when hooked after just 35 minutes.
The teenager didn’t hide his disappointment, punching his seat on the bench before throwing a water bottle and storming down the tunnel.
Roughly 1200 travelling Watford fans sided with Irankunda, chanting to Pezzolano ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’ and ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’.
Speaking post-game following a 2-2 draw, Pezzolano explained his decision.
‘He (Irankunda) didn’t seem fresh and wasn’t able to recover after an effort. We didn’t want to take any chances with injury or anything like that,’ the manager said.
Despite being taunted by his own supporters, Watford manager Paulo Pezzolano has no regrets about replacing young gun Nestory Irankunda against Portsmouth in the Championship
Socceroos young gun Irankunda, 19, was off the pace at Fratton Park in the midweek fixture, but was still furious when hooked after 35 minutes
In better news for Irankunda, the winger was named in the Socceroos squad ahead of upcoming matches against Canada and the US
‘Young players (like Irankunda) need to learn how to react in different moments.
‘What matters above everything is that whatever decision is made…is made for the best of the club and what is best for pushing things forward.’
The midweek result leaves Watford 16th and Portsmouth 17th, both on nine points after eight matches.
In better news for Irankunda, on Friday the winger was named in the Socceroos squad ahead of upcoming international matches against Canada and the US.
Tony Popovic’s men tackle Canada in Montreal on October 11, before lining up against the US four days later in Colorado.
‘We want to keep building continuity and momentum towards the World Cup,’ the coach said.
‘It’s a privilege to face two World Cup hosts in Canada and the USA, both (who are) quality opposition.
‘This will give us a taste of what to expect at next year’s tournament.’
Both matches will be broadcast on Paramount+.
