Armel Bella-Kotchap opened up in Germany about his exclusion under Russell Martin and his plans at St Mary’s following Ivan Juric’s arrival as Saints manager.
Bella-Kotchap Discusses Future at Southampton
The **Daily Echo** reports on Armel Bella-Kotchap’s comments to German outlet *Bild*, where the defender revealed recent talks with Southampton’s hierarchy. He shared that new manager Ivan Juric has assured him of an opportunity to rebuild his career at St Mary’s.
“I moved to PSV Eindhoven on loan after Southampton’s relegation in 2023,” Bella-Kotchap explained. “Unfortunately, an injury held me back, and I never really found my rhythm. Returning to England in the summer, the coach relied on the promotion team and didn’t seem to favor my desire to leave after relegation. Our perspectives just didn’t align.
“Over the past two days, I’ve had intensive discussions with the club’s managers. They emphasized their commitment to me and assured I’d get my chance under the new coach. I know I have to fight to earn my place, and I’m ready for the challenge. It’s crucial I reset and focus on delivering my best performance.”
Aiming for a Comeback
Bella-Kotchap also highlighted his aspirations to rejoin Germany’s national team while reaffirming his commitment to England.
“I want to return to the level I’ve been at before and catch the national team’s attention again,” he stated. “I enjoy playing in England and want to succeed in the Premier League, but I remain open to other opportunities, as shown by my willingness to move to Hoffenheim. The Bundesliga remains an option for my future.”
Frustrations Under Martin
Saints fans have speculated about former manager Russell Martin’s favoritism, which sidelined certain players, including Bella-Kotchap. While many players expressed reluctance to play in the Championship following relegation, Bella-Kotchap’s desire to leave was not unique. Despite this, some returning players, such as Paul Onuachu, have won fans back through determination and strong performances.
Bella-Kotchap had attracted interest from top German clubs, including Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, prior to his PSV loan, showcasing his high reputation in Germany. However, his time back at Southampton under Martin saw him excluded, even as the defense struggled early in the season.
A Fresh Start Under Juric
Bella-Kotchap remains open about his future, acknowledging a potential January transfer. For now, he is eager to contribute under Juric, who will hopefully evaluate all players fairly and prioritize what’s best for the team. With Bella-Kotchap’s quality and readiness to fight for his place, Saints fans may yet see the defender thrive at St Mary’s.
Leave a Reply