Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has defended his decision to substitute Freddie Potts during the club’s recent 2-1 loss to Burnley, explaining that it was a precautionary move to avoid potential injury.
Potts, who made his debut for Pompey in the match, had not played competitive football since April and was only recently returning to full fitness. His performance in midfield had impressed many, with the 21-year-old playing a key role in Callum Lang’s goal just before halftime.
The 21-year-old started in place of Andre Dozzell and turned in a solid display for much of the match, showing composure and confidence despite his lack of recent game time. However, with just over an hour on the clock, Mousinho made the call to withdraw Potts, who was beginning to show signs of fatigue. Unfortunately for Portsmouth, their 1-0 lead slipped away after his substitution, with Burnley scoring two late goals to secure the victory.
Connor Ogilvie came close to opening the scoring when his glancing header hit the post, but it was Callum Lang who found the net after a sweeping move involving Josh Murphy and Paddy Lane. Lang’s goal was his third of the season, and Portsmouth’s defence looked solid throughout the match.
However, Burnley’s persistence paid off late in the second half. The introduction of Ecuadorian winger Jeremy Sarmiento changed the game’s dynamics, and within minutes of coming on, he curled a brilliant equaliser into the far corner. Burnley pushed for the win, and in the 94th minute, Josh Brownhill found space in a crowded penalty area to fire home the decisive goal.
Some Pompey fans have questioned the decision to take Potts off, particularly given how the game turned after his departure. Mousinho, however, was quick to explain the reasoning behind the move, telling The News, “It was Freddie’s first start for a long, long time and we had to bring him off after 60 minutes because he was tiring. We didn’t want to risk an injury and didn’t want to risk a moment in the game where we needed fresher legs.”
Mousinho further elaborated on Potts’ situation, mentioning that the midfielder had hardly played any minutes during pre-season and had not seen competitive action since the end of the previous campaign. Mousinho pointed out that the decision to take Potts off was a cautious one: “You could see it. I don’t know if anyone remembers that tackle in the middle of the park where Freddie went to ground, but I thought it was a sign of his legs really tiring at that point.”
Potts’ effort at Turf Moor did not go unnoticed, though, as Mousinho praised the West Ham loanee’s performance. “He actually looked very, very comfortable and very much in control of his game,” Mousinho said. “He played a huge part in our goal, and I’m really, really pleased with him.”
Potts, who spent last season on loan at Wycombe Wanderers, had an impressive campaign there, earning multiple accolades including Supporters’ Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season, and Players’ Player of the Season.
His outing against Burnley marked his first taste of Championship football, and although the result didn’t go in Portsmouth’s favour, the signs are promising for the young midfielder as he continues to develop.
Writer’s View
From a neutral perspective, the decision to substitute Freddie Potts makes sense when considering his recent lack of competitive football. While fans may be frustrated by the team’s late collapse, it’s important to remember that the young midfielder had been out of action for some time, and pushing him too hard too soon could risk injury. Mousinho’s explanation shows that the club is taking a long-term approach with Potts, prioritising his fitness and gradual reintegration into the squad.
Despite the unfortunate result against Burnley, Potts’ performance was one of the game’s bright spots for Portsmouth. His assured display in midfield, especially in a high-pressure environment like Turf Moor, bodes well for his future. Managing his return carefully will be key to ensuring he can contribute effectively throughout the season, and it seems Mousinho is prepared to give him the time needed to get back to his best.
Founder of The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
