'Pointing fingers' - Brighton make Facundo Buonanotte statement amid Leeds United issue
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Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has urged Facundo Buonanotte to take ownership of his situation at Leeds United.
The Brighton playmaker has had a difficult season so far after unsuccessful loans at now Leeds United.
Buonanotte, 21, has made just two substitute appearances in the Premier League for Daniel Farke’s Leeds team as he briefly featured from the bench against Everton and Arsenal.
The Argentina international was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea but he has not featured in the last three matchday squads against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Sunderland.
Buonanotte's only start for Leeds so far was the FA Cup fourth round win at Birmingham, where he was hooked at halftime. He was then an unused substitute in their fifth round win against Norwich.
His lack of minutes will be a huge concern for Brighton, who were hoping to see a season of real progress for the former Rosario Central man.
“Wasted season, I think it's a little bit tough to say,” said Hurzeler to Sussex World.
“I think every experience for players is important, no matter if they play or not. Of course, if you give a player a loan, it's always helpful that they play, but in the end we can't make the decision.
“It's the other clubs who will make the decision and therefore the coach, Daniel Farke, will have a reason why he's not playing, and then it's about the player to understand what he needs to improve to get into the team.”
“What value he needs to show in every training session, that he is an option for the coach. And I think that's also a learning process for the player, especially for a young player like Buonanotte.”
Brighton signed Buonanotte from Rosario for around £8m in 2023. The 21-year-old has made 50 first team appearances with five goals and two assists and is contratced with the Seagulls until 2028.
His future though is starting to look increasingly uncertain.
Buonanotte must take ownership
Hurzeler added: “I know that he has incredible potential and a lot of talent, but that's not everything in the Premier League.
“It's about work ethic, it's about being hard to yourself, it's about suffering if you're not playing, trying to understand and reflect your own behaviour. Your own training session, your own performances, and not trying to point fingers on others.
“Pointing fingers on others is the easiest thing you can do in life, but taking ownership, taking responsibility on your own situation, I think that's something what players need to learn.
“So that's where Facundo is at the moment. And hopefully he gets the right conclusion, the right consequences out of it and we'll get a better player.”