Charlton defender Naby Sarr: Sunderland would have targeted me – I had no issues being replaced in League One Cup final
Charlton defender Naby Sarr had no complaints about seeing his play-off final action ended at half-time – admitting he would have become targeted by Sunderland.
The French centre-back was booked in the first period for a foul on George Honeyman.
And Sarr did not re-enter the field of play after the interval, with Jason Pearce coming on.
Asked if he accepted the call made by boss Lee Bowyer, Sarr replied: “Yeah, of course – because they would have done everything to send me off.
“I had a yellow, so the gaffer decided it was a bit risky – Pearcey went in and did the job. It was a clever move.”
Sarr had opened the scoring at Wembley but not at the desired end, keeper Dillon Phillips missing his back-pass to put the Black Cats 1-0 up after five minutes.
But Ben Purrington and Patrick Bauer responded for the South Londoners as they triumphed 2-1.
“Wow, a lot of things happened,” said Sarr.
“With the own goal I thought it was a good pass, but maybe it was a bit too hard – I don’t know.
“Shit happens, football is like that.
“But the reaction was good from the boys.
“It’s been a long journey. My first time at Charlton was not very good in the Championship and relegation. Three years later we have a promotion.
“I’m really pleased with what we have done this year. We gave a lot of effort and today [Sunday] was a reward to all the fans, players and staff. Everyone is happy.
“It [Wembley] is a beautiful stadium. To see it full of Charlton and Sunderland fans was even better.”
Sarr wants his defensive partner Bauer – out of contract in June – to sign fresh terms with the Championship new boys.
“He is a great, great player and we’ve seen this season he has been very regular and very trustworthy. Of course I would be happy for him to stay. “But it’s not my decision. It is his and the club’s – hopefully he will stay.”
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