The Belgian was scarcely used under Tony Pulis, and was loaned to the Seagulls in August.
In an interview with the Argus, exiled West Bromwich Albion defender Sebastien Pocognoli has criticised Tony Pulis for dropping him without explanation – and revealed he could have joined Brighton & Hove Albion sooner.
Pocognoli moved to the Amex Stadium on a season-long loan deal on deadline day, having featured just once in the league since Pulis’ appointment on New Year’s Day 2015.
The Belgian is set to make his Brighton debut against Reading in the EFL Cup on Tuesday – six months since he last appeared in a competitive fixture at club level.
Despite helping the Baggies to three points and a clean sheet against Manchester United, Pocognoli was banished from the squad by Pulis the following week.
And the 29-year-old has admitted his parent club put him in a “very difficult situation”.
“That’s unbelievable,” he told the Argus. “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.”
Speculating as to why he failed to play more frequently at the Hawthorns, Pocognoli added: “I wasn’t his type of player and that’s it. 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.”
Pocognoli is out of contract at West Brom next summer and revealed his ambition is to stay with Brighton, having helped Chris Hughton’s side to promotion from the Championship this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
