Brighton & Hove Albion winger Solly March applauded team-mate Anthony Knockaert for coming out about his battle with depression last week, and believes the team are now seeing the best of the Frenchman again.
March and Knockaert have started on either flank in all six Premier League games for Chris Hughton’s team, and the 24-year-old commented on the noticeable difference his fellow winger is showing from last season.
He said, “Anthony’s an emotional character and has had a tough few years. He seems to be more himself and that’s great for the team. You can see that from his performances.
“When he came in and had bad days, we had to be lighthearted with him and make jokes. We picked him up at times and did as much as we could. He seems to be on a good path now.
“It’s a problem in society and people find it hard to talk to others. When people see a role model coming out, it can help others who are suffering to come forward and talk about it.”
The Seagulls travel to Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, and March urged his team-mates to believe they can get a result at the Etihad Stadium, while also understanding the magnitude of the task in hand.
“They’re champions and probably one of the best teams in Europe. It’s exciting to play against these players - it’s going to be tough, we know that, but we haven't got anything to lose.
“If we can go there, play with freedom and stick to our game plan, I don't see why we can’t get at least a point.
“If you go there and respect them too much, they can rip teams apart. We’ve got to show them respect but also show them that we’ll make them work for it.
“We’re going to be pegged back at times and we’ll have to defend well, but if we frustrate them and counter them, we might be in with a chance.”