Manager Ivan Juric acknowledged that Southampton “must give” Armel Bella-Kotchap a chance but emphasized it will ultimately depend on the defender.
Armel Bella-Kotchap, 23, has been absent from Southampton’s lineup since a brief cameo against Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup back in August.
Under former manager Russell Martin, the German defender found himself frozen out, with Martin alleging Bella-Kotchap refused to participate in under-21 fixtures.
However, the ex-VfL Bochum center-back made a rare appearance during Southampton’s 1-0 Boxing Day loss to West Ham, spotted near the tunnel and dugout at St. Mary’s. Recent training content shared on Southampton’s social media has also hinted at his reintegration.
When asked if Bella-Kotchap might earn an opportunity, new boss Ivan Juric told the *Daily Echo*: “It depends on him. I saw him playing two years ago, and he was incredible for me.
“He started playing for the German national team. He had potential. Now it’s about him. I’ve told him to work really hard—really, really hard.
“We’ll see in a few weeks if he’s ready. I think Southampton needs him, and we have to give him a chance. But now it’s only on him. He really wants it.”
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