Trossard left reeling after Potter’s sharp exit
LEANDRO TROSSARD admits Graham Potter’s exit to Chelsea was “a shock” and has urged successor Roberto de Zerbi to keep Brighton’s huge progress going.
De Zerbi has has signed a four-year contract to replace Potter, who quit earlier this month.
The Italian coach, who made his name at Sassuolo, was available after leaving his previous role as Shakhtar Donetsk manager earlier this year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
He inherits a Seagulls side lying fourth in the Premier League.
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 their change of boss, the Belgian international said: “It all happened quite quickly. One day we heard Thomas Tuchel was fired and that Graham was up there to take his place.
“For us it was a bit of a shock but we knew that maybe one day he could go because he is a brilliant manager.
“At the beginning it was a bit strange but now 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 maybe different things with the new manager but that is up to him to get us going as well.”
Trossard was speaking after coming off the bench to win his 20th cap in Thursday’s 2-1 victory over Wales in Brussels.
He is now relishing going to the World Cup 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 it.
“It is hard to pick a country and maybe we are on the outside I would say.
“The country or the team at that moment who is at their best form will win the World Cup.
“Hopefully everybody is fit and in great shape and form to show themselves.”