Pascal Gross is back at Brighton & Hove Albion after a stint with Borussia Dortmund. He initially joined Brighton as their first signing for £3 million during their promotion to the Premier League. Now, at 34 years old, his return marks a significant moment in the club’s journey.
Brighton’s Key Player Returns
Gross received a phone call from Brighton over Christmas, which sealed his return after 18 months away. “Brighton was always the priority,” Gross stated, expressing his connection to the club and its community. He shared that he maintained contact with teammates during his time in Germany.
Impact on the Team
Brighton paid £1.2 million for Gross’s return, but his contributions to the team extend far beyond financial value. He holds the record for the most goals and assists in Premier League history for Brighton, which includes 75 combined goals and assists over seven years.
Challenges Before the Comeback
During his time away, Gross experienced competitive matches in the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup. However, he struggled for game time at Dortmund, influencing his decision to return. “I always liked it here,” he said about Brighton.
Brighton’s Premier League Aspirations
Gross’s return coincided with a challenging period for Brighton, who failed to secure a win in December, dropping to lower league standings. His presence aims to provide crucial experience and leadership to help the team regain its footing.
- Brighton faced a six-game winless run before Gross rejoined.
- Gross seeks to assist young players like Brajan Gruda in developing their skills and achieving ambitions.
- Brighton’s previous match against Manchester City ended in a loss, but they aim for improvement in upcoming games.
Looking Ahead
Gross is focused on helping Brighton reach higher positions in the league and aspiring for European qualification. He acknowledges the pressure of playing against top teams like Manchester City.
“If you give 100 percent every game, you can win against anyone,” Gross explained, emphasizing the mental and physical demands of Premier League football.
Brighton’s next match against Manchester City is scheduled for January 7, a pivotal game for both Gross and his teammates as they seek to build momentum for the rest of the season.
