Leandro Trossard pushes to leave Brighton after being ‘humiliated’ by manager Roberto De Zerbi in front of the team

Leandro Trossard has made it clear to Brighton that he wants to leave the club this month after manager Roberto de Zerbi “humiliated” him in front of the team.

In his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi confirmed that Trossard, who is Brighton’s joint top scorer this season with seven goals, would not make an appearance on Saturday’s match against Liverpool due to disciplinary reasons.

The manager claimed that he had left training before it was complete without permission after finding out he would not start in last week’s FA Cup win over Middlesbrough.

“He left the session without saying anything to me. And it’s not good. I spoke with him, and I explained this attitude [and] behaviour, I don’t like.

“I am open with him to take a step back and listen to him, but he has to understand me; I want only players who work hard and play for the team 100%.”

The player’s agent has refuted these claims saying in a statement that the Belgian left training due to a calf issue that was “in consultation” with the club’s medical team.

The statement also said that the 28-year-old was humiliated by De Zerbi, and that despite the club wanting to extend the player’s contract before the World Cup, he is now looking to move this transfer window.

Trossard’s agent’s full statement said:

“Before Leandro left for Qatar, Brighton’s intention was to have Leandro sign on. This did not happen, as the parties did not come to an agreement. Leandro has also indicated that he is ready for his next step.

“After the World Cup, there was an altercation between Leandro and a player in training over a trivial matter. Since then, the manager no longer speaks to Leandro, which is obviously not conducive to the atmosphere, nor is it performance-oriented.

“Leandro still had a starting place against Southampton and Arsenal, but against Everton he was on the bench. He was also not included in the five substitutions that took place at the time, and this without any explanation.

“In the run-up to the game against Middlesbrough for the FA Cup, Leandro had already indicated twice that he had problems with his calf. This was the reason why he stopped training. This was, incidentally, in consultation with the medical staff.

“The manager told Leandro that he had to train separately. Last Monday, the manager humiliated Leandro in group and indicated that he no longer wanted to see him. A manager who has not communicated directly with his player for four weeks is really incomprehensible. Incidentally, it is also the manager who has indicated several times that a transfer is the most convenient solution.

“It is therefore important that Brighton cooperates with a potential transfer during this transfer period and shows a benevolent attitude, which is beneficial to both parties.”