Tribal Football

Bella-Kotchap: Martin was unhappy I wanted to leave after Southampton relegation

Paul Vegas
Bella-Kotchap: Martin was unhappy I wanted to leave after Southampton relegation
Bella-Kotchap: Martin was unhappy I wanted to leave after Southampton relegationTribalfootball
Armel Bella-Kotchap feels former Southampton boss Russell Martin froze him out after trying to leave after their relegation.

The defender hasn't played since Saints' promotion to the Premier League this season.

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Bella-Kotchap told Bild: "I moved to PSV Eindhoven on loan after the relegation from Southampton in 2023. 

"There I had an injury and never really got into the step. When I went back to England in the summer, the coach preferred to rely on the promotion team.

"He didn't like that I wanted to leave after the relegation but I wanted to take the next step at the time, which I thought was right.

"With these two views, we never really got together. I have been talking intensively with the club managers for the last two days.

"They assured me they care a lot about me and that I get my chance under the new coach. I know that I now first have to fight back into the team.

"I'm burning for that. But it is also important for me that I re-set the environment in my situation. I have to bring my performance, I can't influence more."