Leandro Trossard wants to leave Brighton after head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirmed he will not be in the squad for the away trip to Liverpool after displaying a poor attitude in training.
The 28-year-old has not featured for the Seagulls since their 4-2 defeat at Premier League leaders Arsenal on New Year’s Eve and now says he will not sign a new contract with the club.
A statement released by Trossard’s agent, Josy Comhair, read: “Before Leandro left for Qatar, Brighton’s intention was to extend his contract, this did not happen as the parties failed to reach an agreement. Leandro has also indicated that he is ready for his next step.
“After the World Cup, there was an argument at training between Leandro and another player over a nonsense. Since then, the coach has not spoken to Leandro, which obviously does not favor the atmosphere, as well as the performance.
“Leandro was still a player in the starting eleven against Southampton and Arsenal, but against Everton he was on the bench. In the five substitutions that happened then, he was also not among them and that is without any explanation.
Leandro Trossard was one of Brighton’s standout players
“Ahead of the game against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup, Leandro had already reported two problems with his calf. That was the reason why he stopped training. It was in agreement with the medical staff.
“Through the physical trainer, Leandro found out that he had to train separately. Last Monday, the trainer then grounded Leandro in the group and made it known that he did not want to see him again. A coach who did not communicate directly with his player for four weeks is truly incomprehensible.
“The coach also indicated several times that the transfer is the most reasonable solution.
“It is therefore important that Brighton cooperate with a potential transfer, which is beneficial for both parties”
Sky Sports News have contacted Brighton for a response.
Trossard trained alone this week due to what De Zerbi judged to be bad behavior.
“Leandro is not on the list of players for tomorrow,” he told reporters during his press conference on Friday afternoon.
“Leandro knows my opinion very well. The last training session before the match with Middlesbrough, when he realized he wasn’t going to play, he left the training session without telling me anything and that’s not good.
“I spoke with him on Monday and I explained to him that I don’t like this attitude, this kind of behavior.
“He knows very well if he wants to play with Brighton with me, he has to work hard, he has to run, he has to be in the right way because we are not a big team, Real Madrid, Barcelona or any other big, big team. We are Brighton and we need players who work like other players.”
See all of Leandro Trossard’s goals for Brighton in the Premier League so far this season
There is a report of interest from Tottenham in Belgium international Trossard, whose contract expires this summer, although Brighton have the option to extend his deal by another 12 months.
De Zerbi, however, refused to comment on the transfer speculation when asked.
FREE WATCH: Everton v Brighton Premier League highlights
“I don’t know about the transfer market, whether he will change the team or not. That is not my problem. I am the coach, only the coach and the first 11, while I am the coach, I will decide,” he said.
“I don’t think about the transfer market, other teams or other discussions. The only discussion is to play for the team, work and run on the field.
“I do not know what is the problem [with Trossard]. I want to be honest because I want to be clear. I’m open with him, I’m ready to take a step back.
“If he wants to play, I’m ready to listen to him, but he has to understand that with me I only want players who work hard, who play for the team 100 percent.”
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