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Gross expects tough competition for his place - despite Bissouma exit

Pascal Gross fires home against West Ham in the final game of the 2021-22 season
Pascal Gross fires home against West Ham in the final game of the 2021-22 season

Pascal Gross is ready for intense competition for an Albion midfield place - despite the loss of Yves Bissouma.

The German star is on board for two more years after signing a new deal.

He accepts the heat is on for starting places - and he will not always make Graham Potter’s XI.

Gross said: “That is normal. We know how much we appreciate each other, nobody gets something like a guarantee of commitment anyway, and I don’t want that either.

“If you sit outside, that sometimes has something to do with the opponent and what type of player he (Potter) needs.

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“It is important that he sees me on the pitch and also outside as a support.”

Bissouma has signed for Tottenham and it remains unclear whether Albion will bring in a new midfielder although they have been speculatively linked with several.

Gross said: “It was to be expected that he would take the next step.

“He is a super central midfield player and also a great person.

“We have to absorb this collectively.”

Gross recent told Kicker magazine in Germany he would “definitely” settle right now for ninth place again next term and added: “I would welcome one or two more goals and assists myself but the important thing is the team.”

He told brightonandhovealbion.com: “When I signed (in 2017), the aim was to stay in the league, nothing else.

“This is still I believe the first aim because the league is so tough.

“You have to make sure you first get to 40 points and after you can look forwards.”

He added: “We start from zero.”