Clearly unwanted by Tony Pulis at West Brom last season, Sébastien Pocognoli took the decision that a loan spell at Brighton and Hove Albion, in the Championship, was better for him than sitting on the Hawthorns’ bench.
Struggling to get into Chris Hughton’s first-team when he initially arrived, the Belgian defender slowly but surely made a spot for himself after the new year and helped the Seagulls secure promotion to the Champions League.
Despite some solid performances, the now 30-year-old returned to West Brom at the end of his loan, only to return to his home country when his contract expired, signing for Standard Liège.
Speaking to Sport/Foot in Belgium this week, Pocognoli revealed he could have stayed in the Premier League if he wanted to, as Brighton were prepared to hand him a contract.
He said: “The day we went up, I had another good chat with the manager. It was constructive, but I had to wait a bit. So, when Standard came with their offer, I took it. For me, it was the right time.
“If I’d waited, I maybe could have played once more in the mythical English stadiums. Maybe. But I might not have played a huge amount either. I’m not sure I would have been a first-team option at Brighton”.
Having struggled for game time throughout his spell in England, the former Brighton defender wanted to be on the pitch week in, week out, and that’s what Standard Liège were offering.
He didn’t want an ‘uncertain adventure’, as he puts it.
He wanted a challenge that would allow him game time, but motivated him at the same time, and trying to return Standard to the top of the Belgian League was just what he needed.
