A SSARD ACT TO FOLLOW
Leandro: Zerbi can fill Potter shoes
LEANDRO TROSSARD admits Graham Potter’s departure came as a bombshell to Brighton players but he’s confident that successor Roberto de Zerbi will keep the Seagulls flying high.
De Zerbi has signed a four-year contract at the Amex Stadium to replace Potter, who joined Chelsea earlier this month.
The Italian coach, who made his name at Sassuolo, was available after leaving his previous role as Shakhtar
Donetsk manager following Russia’s invasion of
Ukraine.
He inherits a side who are fourth in the Premier League after just one defeat in their first six games.
Star winger Trossard, who has two goals and an assist in the top flight this term, is determined to see Albion continue their upward trajectory after coming ninth last season.
Reflecting on Albion’s change of boss, the
Belgian international
(with Potter, right) said: “It all happened quickly. One day we heard that
Thomas Tuchel had been fired by Chelsea and that Graham was up there to take his place. For us it was a shock but we all knew that maybe one day he could leave Brighton because he is a brilliant manager.
“At the beginning it was a bit strange but now with the new coach we need to move on as a club and as players.
“I am excited to work with the new coach. We will meet next week when I go back. It doesn’t mean if the coach departs that the team will not play as well. It is just that the new manager will have different ideas. It is up to him to get us going.”
Trossard (left) was speaking after coming off the bench to win his 20th cap in Belgium’s 2-1 victory over Wales in a Nations League clash in Brussels on Thursday.
He is now relishing going to the World Cup later this year with Belgium, who are in Group F with Canada, Morocco and Croatia.
“I am feeling excited to be a part of it,” he added. “There are so many countries at the moment who have the chance to win the World Cup.
“It is hard to pick a country but maybe we are outsiders. The team who show their best form will win the World Cup.
“Hopefully everybody is fit and in great shape for us.”