Claude Puel insists that Jose Fonte understood why he was left out of the Saints side to face Bournemouth after the pair had an animated exchange before the game at the Vitality Stadium.

Saints skipper Fonte was rested for the trip to the Cherries after playing back-to-back matches against Middlesbrough and Stoke.

He has already spoken of his frustration at missing out on playing the Europa League, while there is also tension over the lack of a contract extension for the 32-year-old defender.

Puel and Fonte were on the pitch together shortly after the team arrived at the ground yesterday, and seemed to be having a frank exchange of opinions.

Puel said: “Always it’s important to keep a good energy and lucidity in every game. It’s not possible for me for 11 players to play all the games.

“Since the beginning of the season we played 26 official games and more for the international players like Jose.

“It’s not possible to keep a good level every three days and I think we are lucky to have quality on the squad with Maya, you can see, van Dijk and Jose and Stephens, an international player with the under-21s.

“It is important to develop the team and maintain quality with good fit and good spirit for the future because we need all the players.”

When asked whether Fonte understands why he is being rotated, Puel replied: “Of course all the players want to play every game and Jose as captain, but it’s important he is 33 and he is strong physically without injury and it’s important he keeps this quality every game.

“Every three days is not possible.”

Puel insisted that Fonte was perfectly pleased with the way the game went and is still on board with what he is trying to achieve.

“I think when I saw him after the game he was very happy for the team, for the club and for him,” reflected Puel.

“It was a strong game and it’s not just the players in the ground who win this game but all the squad because all the players can have regularity and a good result.”

Fonte’s absence gave another chance to Maya Yoshida, and Puel reported: “I think he can do a strong game, quality on the start on the play and with every duel also it was very interesting and it gives a good answer.

“We had many possibilities and different solutions and we are lucky with three great centre backs and a young player also with Stephens.

“It’s important to consider to maintain all the players with good fitness because in January we have to play games every three days.

“It’s important the team are ready for this possibility.”