Lorient manager Christophe Pelissier has expressed his disappointment towards Illan Meslier's move to Leeds United on deadline day, suggesting he should have fought for his spot with the French side.
The 19-year-old moved to Elland Road on loan, with the option of a deal becoming permanent, after becoming frustrated with his situation at the second-tier French side.
Pelissier's arrival saw him make Paul Nardi the new first-choice option between the sticks at Lorient, which encouraged Meslier to complete a move to the Championship.
While he is yet to make his debut for United, he stated earlier this season that he prefers his current surroundings to Lorient - but his former boss has now responded.
“Like Julien Ponceau, they are young professionals who did not experience too many difficulties in their early career. Illan, I think, quickly became number two, then number one,” he told Le Telegramme .
“He made a very good start before having a more delicate end to the season. I think at his age he had every interest in staying here, working with a very good goalkeeper coach and a very good number one goalkeeper.
“For me, he would have progressed. Especially since this is the first time I had given a second choice keeper the assurance to play the Coupe de la Ligue and the Coupe de France. Which I never do.”
Asked if he was surprised by Meslier's decision to move to Leeds United, he added: “Yes. Because for me, in the face of the obstacle, there are two types of attitude, confronting or bypassing it. He has bypassed it.
“Perhaps he is right, we will see the rest of his career. But as a coach, I was surprised and disappointed.”
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