Premier League managers are lobbying for the re-introduction of the five substitutes rule amid a significant increase in Covid infections within football. Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick, his Manchester City counterpart Pep Guardiola, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Southampton’s Ralph Hasenhuttl have all called for change. In August,
Steven Gerrard said: “I think the rule needs to change. I understand why it has to be three subs but I think it needs to be more options from the bench like it is in the Champions League. But I don’t make the rules around here.”
Manchester United boss Rangnick has revealed his desire to see the Premier League to allow five subs. Speaking ahead of United’s Premier League clash against Newcastle,
Ralf Rangnick said: “As far as I remember it was decided every team could substitute five players when Covid started 18 months ago. I think it was the right decision to have more options to change players, to save energy for players, especially if they have only just recovered from Covid. And the same is true right now. We have a similar situation as we had one-and-a-half years ago, so I wouldn’t see any situation why it couldn’t be the same as one and a half years ago. England is the only country where they don’t allow five subs… you’re still allowed eight field players on the teamsheet, you should be able to replace five, you will always have five players on the bench who cannot be substituted on and cannot play.”
Man City boss Guardiola has been calling for the Premier League to permit five subs for a long time, and this afternoon again called for its re-introduction. Asked about player welfare,
Pep Guardiola said: “Yeah, but it should be the players and managers all together making a strike. With words alone it’s not going to be solved. The Premier League, the business, is more important than the welfare. Five substitutes – now we have to discuss that, what they decide will be okay about that. Do you know how many times we discuss it? A lot. The welfare of the players should be the most important thing, but when we talk about the welfare of the players, it’s the only country that has just three subs, not five. You have to decide for the broadcasters or the Premier League, but for the welfare of the players, it’s not going to happen.”
