4 starts, 11 appearances: Ruben Selles discusses why Paul Onuachu had a bad season with Southampton

The Nigerian star has failed to score a goal for the Saints since moving from Genk to Southampton in January

Southampton’s interim manager, Ruben Selles, has explained why Paul Onuachu has struggled at the St. Mary’s stadium since moving from KRC Genk, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles forward, who was the rave of the moment at the Jupiler Pro League, has only made 11 appearances for the Hampshire-based club, starting just four of them.

The Spanish manager, who will leave the Saints after the Liverpool game, said in his last news conference that the change in management did not benefit Onuachu following his transfer from Genk.

Prior to joining the English team in the January transfer window, the Nigerian sensation was leading the Belgian Pro League with 16 goals. He has yet to score since his transfer, hence why he has not been able to pick up where he left off.

Onuachu may have suffered as a consequence of the changes, according to Selles, who shared his opinion about the 28-year-old’s lack of playing time.

“I think sometimes it’s difficult to come straight to the Premier League, and it’s hard to score goals especially in that position. There are some key positions where you need to be more exposed than the others, and that’s the number nine position,” he said.

He added: “Probably the change in manager didn’t benefit him. We went to some places that we didn’t go before. That’s mainly it. Usually, when you get a player from the Belgian league or the French league, unless the team is very structured, then they need time to adapt. And that’s what happened. He probably has a different opinion, but that’s my opinion.”

The Nigerian is anticipated to have significant playing time when Southampton plays Liverpool in their final English Premier League game, after going unused as a substitute against Brighton in Southampton’s last match.