Speaking ahead of the club's Champions League clash against Serie A side Atalanta, he explained the reasons for his keeping the former Manchester United star on the bench.
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"I never pick a team with the next match in mind. Atalanta isn't more important than Auxerre. Now, I can think about the match against Atalanta and then I'll think about the one against Brest,” De Zerbi told the media.
"I felt Greenwood and Paixao were tired and less sharp. Not physically, but less sharp than usual, and less brilliant.
“That's why I preferred to start Aubameyang and Vaz up front. They should be ready. The Champions League is important, and I'd like to be able to prepare for this match with more options in terms of players."