Bong Highlights Importance Of West Brom Clash

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Gaetan Bong highlighted the importance of Saturday’s game against West Bromwich Albion in their bid for Premier League survival.

The Cameroonian reiterated the need to take points from teams in around them in the Premier League, before looking ahead to the visit of Antonio Conte’s men to the Amex the following week.

He said, “The next game is massive because we have to take points against this types of team.

“It doesn’t mean they are not a good or strong team. We know where we are and that our goal is to stay in the Premier League.

“After that we have Chelsea. They are another level; it’s another type of game and a strong team as well.

“Before we start the game, we know we have a chance to win. On paper, they have massive players and there is a big difference between the two teams financially, but once the game starts, we will give everything.

“It doesn’t matter how much your team costs, we don’t care. We take it game by game and we’ll look to show our strengths and the quality we have. But first we look ahead to this weekend, which is a massive game for us.”

Bong has been rotated alongside Markus Suttner in the left-back position, and the defender understands how different games suit different players.

“It’s not about one player being preferred to another. You can see that the teams all have different strengths and I am a different player to Markus.

“Everyone knows what I can bring, and I will always give 100%. Markus is maybe a better player on the ball, that doesn’t mean I can’t do any skills! We’re just two different players.

“The manager knows when he needs to use me and when to use Markus. Sometimes if I am in form, maybe he will put me in again.

“I am just a player that works for the club and he makes the decision. I want to play in every single game, but sometimes you need to know when you’re giving something for the club. You accept when you’re not playing, you say nothing because you’re working for the club and the team.”

Finally, Bong paid tribute to the departing Izzy Brown, who returns to parent club Chelsea after picking up an ACL injury in the FA Cup victory over Crystal Palace on Monday.

“It’s disappointing for him and all the players in this team. Izzy is one of us and we’re going to miss him.

“We’re all part of this team, whether you’re playing or not. We all try to give something and every time Izzy was on the pitch, he was giving his best.

“We knew that he could bring and we’re going to miss him.”