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MOMCHENGLADBACH, Germany (AP) — Borussia Meonchengladbach head coach Andre Schubert says U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann had a "responsibility" to substitute defender Fabian Johnson during the Americans' 3-2 loss to Mexico on Saturday.
Johnson was came off in the 111th minute of the playoff for a Confederations Cup berth after complaining of soreness in his thigh.
"When a player feels a tightening of their thigh in added time in a game and could then be on the verge of a more serious injury, I only think it's the responsibility of the team and himself to have him subbed off," Schubert said Thursday.
Johnson was replaced by Brad Evans with the score 2-2, and Paul Aguilar scored for Mexico in the 118th minute.
Klinsmann criticized his defender afterwards and told reporters Monday that he sent Johnson back to Germany.
"I had a very severe word with Fabian Johnson, and I sent him home today," Klinsmann said.
"He can rethink his approach about his team," the 51-year-old Klinsmann added.
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