Arsenal star has been on a roll since his move
Leoandro Trossard left Brighton to join Arsenal during the storm of 2023. And he is scheduled to play against his old team this Wednesday. The Belgian claimed he was “humiliated” in front of his team-mates by former manager Robert de Zerbi before forcing his move to north London.
After four productive years on the south coast, Trossard is said to have left a training session early due to a falling out with de Zerbi, but the now 30-year-old denies this ever happened.
Former Brighton manager De Zerbi claims Trossard was ruled out of the Premier League match against Liverpool after learning he would not be playing in Brighton’s FA Cup match against Middlesbrough and his subsequent actions.
“He left the session without saying anything to me, which is not good. I spoke to him and explained that I don’t like this attitude (and behavior),” the Italian told reporters at the time.
“I’m going to step back and listen to him, but he has to understand me. I only want players who work hard and play 100 percent for the team.”
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Trossard’s representative immediately responded to the allegations, saying his client had left training due to a calf problem that was made known to the club’s medical team. He added that the episode led to the midfielder wanting to move elsewhere.
“Before Leandro left for Qatar, Brighton’s intention was to have Leandro sign, but this did not happen as the parties could not come to an agreement. Leandro has also shown that he is ready for the next step,” the player’s statement said.
“After the World Cup, there was a small argument between Leandro and the players in training. Since then, the coach has not spoken to Leandro, which obviously does not improve the atmosphere and is not performance-oriented.”
“Leandro still started against Southampton and Arsenal, but he was on the bench against Everton. He was not included in the five substitutes that were made at the time and there was no explanation for this.”
“In the run-up to the FA Cup match against Middlesbrough, Leandro had already hinted twice that he had a problem with his calf. That was why he stopped training. Incidentally, this was done in consultation with the medical staff.”
“The manager told Leandro that he has to train separately. Last Monday, the manager humiliated Leandro in the group and said that he did not want to see him anymore. I really cannot understand a manager who has not communicated directly with his players for four weeks. Incidentally, he is also the one who suggested several times that a transfer was the most expedient solution.”
“It is therefore important that Brighton cooperate with any potential transfer during this transfer window and demonstrate a benevolent attitude that will be beneficial to both parties.”
Trossard joined Arsenal in January 2023, with the north London club spending £27 million to sign the Belgian. During his time at the Emirates, the midfielder gained a reputation as a super sub.
But he has carved out a more prominent place in Mikel Arteta’s side in recent times, starting Arsenal’s game against Crystal Palace last weekend and cementing the Gunners’ place at the top of the Premier League.
In March, he spoke about how happy he is at Arsenal and how it drives him to give back to the fans every weekend. “From the first moment I joined the club, I always felt the love on the pitch,” he said.
“That’s why I want to give back so much in terms of goals and assists. It’s the best feeling in the world to be on the pitch and have them shout your name and celebrate goals and stuff with you. I’m really, really happy here and I think I’ll enjoy that on the pitch as well.”
“That’s why you play football, so that we can be remembered and also to play for them. At the end of the day, the club is all about the fans. If they’re not there, there’s nothing to play for. You want to give something back and I hope they give the same back. It’s all about love. We drive past the mural, we leave the stadium and stuff, so you look at it and it’s amazing.”
