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Bassong tips old club to defy the odds in Premier League battle
Seb Bassong tussles with Sam Byram in his Premier League days for Norwich City Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Seb Bassong is urging Norwich City to hold their nerve in the Premier League survival stakes.
Bassong stayed up, got relegated and was then part of a Canaries' squad which memorably won promotion back to the top flight in a turbulent five-year stint.
The 33-year-old believes it is too early to write off City's chances of a top-flight escape.
"Everyone knew the Premier League was another level," said Bassong. "Norwich is playing really good football but it is not enough, it is the points on the board that matter and for me Norwich may need to change a few things or adjust a few things to help them do that.
"I don't think the gap is too big for them to be able to stay up and keep playing good football.
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"I think they can find the right solution.
"Concentration is the big thing at that level. In the Premier League there is a much smaller gap for mistakes. The attacking players punish you quicker and are more efficient, but you have to go through that learning process."
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The Canaries' former player-of-the-year was at Preston last weekend in a media capacity to watch his old club against his old boss, Alex Neil.
Bassong, interviewed by Radio Norfolk at Deepdale, was out in the cold at Carrow Road when Neil gave him a reprieve in a unforgettable spell that culminated in a Wembley play-off triumph in 2015.
"He means a lot to me.
"He played a big part in my Norwich comeback and I will always be grateful for that," said the centre back, who is looking for a new club after a recent stint in Greek football. "It was a really special time for Norwich and he did well for the club and for me. We came back at the same time and it was a good combination. His passion sets him apart.
"He has a special way to put his message across and once you understand that and get him and start to know him it works really well.
"He understands the mentality of the players, when to give them a kick up the backside and when to put an arm around them.
"I am looking for a club to keep playing because I am like a good wine, I am getting better with age. I am still fit and I know what I can give to a club.
"If I can find the right balance then I want to enjoy my football, because I have a lot of experience to give and I miss the adrenaline of a Saturday game."
