Sebastien Pocognoli criticises 'unbelievable' treatment from Tony Pulis
Albion's exiled left-back Sebastien Pocognoli says the way Tony Pulis has treated him is 'unbelievable'.
The 29-year-old Belgian is currently on a season-long loan at Brighton and Hove Albion, having failed to get into Pulis's team.
He made just one Premier League appearance for the Baggies last season, coming off the bench in the 1-0 win over Manchester United.
But he was left out of the squad for the rest of the season after that, and he told The Argus that Pulis never gave him an explanation as to why.
"That's unbelievable," Pocognoli told Brighton's local paper. "I was waiting for that moment. I didn't join Brighton in January for personal reasons and also because I wanted to fight for my position.
"That day I got my chance, did well, and the week after I was not in the 18.
"I wasn't his type of player and that's it," he added. "The relationship was good. I'm not a difficult player.
"I always accept the situation. Every day I trained well, still focused for a chance.
"I also had a good relationship with the lads. It's very important to stay positive, because you have to respect your team-mates and not put your frustration in the dressing room.
"I kept my head up, because I couldn't do better to manage my situation there. I'm very proud of this because it was very difficult."
Despite his time in exile, Pocognoli bears no ill will to the Baggies, and even encouraged fellow Belgian and childhood friend Nacer Chadli to sign for the club in the summer.
But he only has one year left on his Albion contract, and doesn't envisage coming back to The Hawthorns.
Even though he's yet to feature in the Championship for Chris Hughton's team, the full-back is expected to play in tonight's League Cup match against Reading.
And he has already admitted he would like to stay on the south coast.
"Now my ambition is promotion with Brighton and to stay here," he said.
"It's going well. I am trying get fit as quick as possible to be at my best level. It's the first time in my career I have not been involved for such a long time.
"My ex-club put me in a very difficult situation. I hope I am fit as quickly as possible. I need games and confidence also in my body, because when you don't practise your job it's tough to come back."
