MONCHENGLADBACH, Germany -- Borussia Monchengladbach head coach Andre Schubert says U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann had a "responsibility" to substitute defender Fabian Johnson during the United States' 3-2 loss to Mexico in the CONCACAF Cup 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 on Thursday.
Johnson was replaced by Brad Evans with the score 2-2, minutes before Paul Aguilar scored the winner 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 of the decision.
"He can rethink his approach about his team," the 51-year-old Klinsmann added.