Gross expects tough competition for his place - despite Bissouma exit
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.”