Granada boss Jose Gonzalez insisted “I can’t play everyone” after he dropped Adalberto Penaranda for Friday’s goalless draw with Malaga in La Liga.
Granada picked up their fourth successive draw to move two points clear of the relegation zone, but the match against their fellow Andalusians was marred by Penaranda’s demotion to the substitutes’ bench – a decision Gonzalez asserted had no links to the teenage forward’s impending transfer to Watford.
“This game was totally different to the one in Bilbao,” the Coach said after the game.
“I have to make technical decisions above the pain of the players [who miss out].
“They are professionals and have to abide by the judgment of the Coach.
“Penaranda is a very good player, but for [Friday’s] game I needed other characteristics.
“I wanted pace with [Isaac] Success and more possession. I knew Malaga would work well defensively and didn’t want an end-to-end game.
“I didn’t see it fit to play [Penaranda] because [Youssef] El Arabi has been playing well until the ends of games and David Barral has just joined.
“I understand that the fans want to see good players on the pitch, but I can’t play everyone.
“Penaranda has scored five goals, four away from home and one at home against Sevilla.
“He’s a very good footballer but I also have other very good players. I can’t fit them all in.”
