Roberto De Zerbi sends warning to outcast Brighton star
Roberto De Zerbi has revealed Leandro Trossard stormed off from training after learning he wouldn't be involved in Brighton's FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough at the weekend.
The Belgian is only one goal off his previous best Premier League goal haul which he recorded last season when he bagged eight strikes alongside three assists.
However, Trossard has started just two games since returning from World Cup duty with Belgium. 90min understands that he is of interest to Tottenham, who have asked to be kept informed on his situation this month.
Trossard wasn't missed at the Riverside Stadium as the Seagulls stormed to a 5-1 victory with goals from Pascal Gross, Kaoru Mitoma and Deniz Undav, alongside a brace from substitute Alexis Mac Allister.
Ahead of this weekend's game against Liverpool, De Zerbi revealed: "Every player is good and we are ready to play. Leandro [Trossard] isn't in the list of players for tomorrow. Leandro knows very well my opinion. The last training before the Middlesborough game when he understood he didn't play, he left the session without saying anything and that is not good.
"On Monday [after the game] I spoke to him and I explained I don't like this attitude and behaviour. He knows very well if he wants to play for Brighton he has to work very hard, run, and be in the right way. We are not a big team like Barcelona or Real Madrid. We are Brighton and we need others who work like the others.
"I don't know what is the problem. I am open with him. I am open to take a step back. He has to understand I only want players who work hard and play 100% for the team. I don't know if he wants to change teams or not, it is not my problem. I am not thinking about the transfer market or other teams.
Listen now as Scott Saunders hosts Graeme Bailey, Toby Cudworth and Tom Gott in the latest episode of Talking Transfers. This week they discuss Chelsea’s hectic transfer strategy, which includes a loan move for Joao Felix and interest in Romeo Lavia and Marcus Thuram among others, Man Utd’s pursuit of Burnley striker Wout Weghorst, Leandro Trossard’s Brighton future and more. Available on all audio platforms.
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"I don't decide anything but I have decided on the first XI [for Liverpool]. Leo knows very well what is my opinion and what I want. There is no problem. We are working to grow up and progress this team and I want only players who put 100% in."
Brighton have a number of exciting and in-demand prospects including young Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo and Argentina World Cup winner Mac Allister, but 90min understands Trossard is the most likely first-team star to leave this month.
However, the Albion are not looking to let the former Genk winger leave on the cheap. They recently triggered a 12-month extension clause in his contract, keeping him at the AMEX until 2024.