News

A fresh start for Schelotto

Ezequiel Schelotto has experienced a renaissance in the team after breaking back into the side under Graham Potter, and is delighted to now be consigning a frustrating anterior cruciate ligament injury to the past.

By James Hilsum • 21 November 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Ezequiel Schelotto at the final whistle against Everton.

The full-back made his first Albion appearance since May 2018 when he came on as a substitute in the 3-2 win over Everton last month, and he expressed his gratitude to Graham Potter for bringing him back into the fold.

He said, “I feel important again, if you can say that in some way. Obviously I feel like I am just beginning again.

“Only 11 players can play and I have to keep on waiting, but the coach is talking to me a lot. He speaks to me during the week in training sessions and he helps.

“He makes you feel like an important member of the squad.  You want to play as soon as possible after being out for a long time, so I'm very happy that I got my chance.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Ezequiel Schelotto in action against Norwich City.

The defender stressed that he didn’t have any doubts about returning to the team, and praised the support of those closest to him and his family for giving him that added motivation.

“I knew I had to shake off any fear and focus mentally on coming back to play. I am a footballer with lots of desire, and at 30 years old, I have a lot of years ahead of me.

“I never doubted myself, I came back earlier than expected and the medical department were very surprised.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Ezequiel Schelotto and Neal Maupay celebrate against Everton.

Schelotto said that having a positive mental attitude has been crucial in enabling him to make a comeback, and was delighted to welcome his parents to the Amex for the Norwich City match at the start of November. 

“I was positive and didn’t think about never being able to run. I thought if I was positive, everything would sort itself out more easily.

“I want to thank the Brighton medical department a lot, my colleagues, the Brighton fans who encouraged me through social media, as well as my wife, my parents and my family.”

Christmas cracker at the Amex!

The defender also spoke in more detail about the attacking style of play which has been deployed by Potter, and is enjoying the fluidity of his tactics.

"In that first year I was here with Chris, he opened the door for me and I responded to that on the pitch.

“I feel very comfortable now here with Graham too, as he has given chances to every player and his form of playing is to attack a lot down the flanks, which is something I like, especially with wing-backs.

“For me, playing a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2, it doesn’t matter - or even 4-4-2. He will always give me the chance to play as an attacking full-back.”