Kyle Walker handled his removal from Burnley’s starting lineup in a “professional manner,” according to his manager Nicky Hayen.
The full-back was benched last Saturday as the Clarets drew 1-1 with Derby County, extending their winless start to the season.
It happened just days after Walker spoke openly about his individual performances as well as the team’s disastrous start to the season in interviews with the local press and discussions with club staff and the Fan Advisory Board.
When asked how Walker handled the news, Hayen responded, “Like a professional football player, of course.
“Kyle wants to play, and everyone wants to play on our team, so that’s normal. But he took it professionally.
“Everyone wants to show themselves on the training pitch to be part of this team and that’s the same for Kyle.”
It wasn’t the only major choice Hayen made against the Rams; the under-pressure Clarets manager also decided to remove Max Weiss from the firing line.
The goalkeeper, who is now on international duty with Germany Under-21s, had conceded 16 goals in his first seven games, with a string of poor performances culminating in that costly error at Swansea City, which proved to be the final straw.
Coudert, a summer transfer from Brest, seemed significantly more secure on his Burnley league debut, making two or three good saves and maintaining strong control of his penalty area.
“I think Greg played a decent, good game,” Hayen remarked.
“He was comfortable on the ball and he did the saves that he made, so he played a fair game for me.”
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