The second half of the season is about to begin, we have our eyes set on that first game against Lorient, but there are a couple of interesting things that have been said or done around the club lately.
Here’s a quick roundup:
- Jean II Makoun is on his way to Aston Villa. The clubs have agreed the terms (apparently 6 million € plus bonus potential of 3 more depending on results), what seems to remain is an agreement with Jean II himself.
- Arles is apparently trying to get Belfodil on loan, and looking at swapping him against Abensoar, too often injured for their liking. Even though Puel rejected any loan of pro team members (meaning Lacazette won’t join fellow young Lyonnais Mounier in Nice), he let the door open for Pro-2 members. Belfodil is an obvious target, as Puel seems fed up with his behaviour on and off the pitch.
- Toulalan recently gave an interview to the club’s website, in which he openly spoke about the crisis he’s been through, about this form, and his future:
About the last 6 months : “This was the worst period of my career. Mentally I just wasn’t there after the World Cup. We had to move on, but it is not easy. There were regrets … I could not evacuate them… I was injured … I must have put in one or two decent games, that’s all … I asked myself a lot of questions… even thinking about stopping playing football. Fortunately the club, in particular, supported me. I had spoken with the coach after the World Cup. He had said I could come back earlier… I should have done it. During this period, I still said I should look around, as there were worse situations….” Jérémy then added: “This wound will never leave me…”
About his form : “I have not started this season. Hopefully things will go well now. This training camp as gone down in great conditions… we have all spoken with each other…. I am sure the group can do better and regain the title of champions of France. But there is also the Champions League and the Coupe de France. We have prepared well during this training camp, but we will not be at the top right away. And me too … Me, I need to be in great shape to show what I can do best with the ball….”
About his future : “I am only thinking about my club. It’s my priority … after as far as the France team is concerned, we’ll see what happens….” “The club offered me a contract extension. I’m happy at OL. I even think I can finish my career at OL. This club, like FC Nantes suits me. My family likes living in Lyon. There was never a club that made me dream. But for now I just want to get back to my best….”
- Cris also just gave an interview about his form and how he sees the team.
About his form : “I know I have to rush back to my level,” says the 33-year-old Wednesday. But it’s nice to have that kind of pressure, it means people are still counting on you and you can still be important to the club. ” If Cris feels “still strong”, he admits he “no longer is twenty-two years old” and should exercise with caution. “I do not need to give everything in training, it’s in the game that it happens for me now.” Hence a taylor-made program, negotiated with the medical staff and Claude Puel. “On a week with one game, OK, I can work with everyone. But in times when we play every three days, I need rest.” His repeated injuries between August and December (twice the hamstrings and adductors) are directly responsible for this change of approach. Why so many ailments? “In previous years, I had made good preparations, but still within my limits. This time I changed my habits a bit, it might just be that. ”
About the team:
From the stadiums, in these last few weeks Cris has seen a Lyon team “in the process of finding a good feeling.” He expressed his confidence that the return to form of all key players will still improve the team in the second half of the season. “Our backbone is Hugo, I,” Toul “, Yoann (Gourcuff) and Lisandro. Today, there are only two who are in shape, Hugo and “Licha”. Imagine when the other three will come back in shape. It will make a good team, right? ”
May you be right, old chap.
So guys, that’s it from me. As always, don’t forget to share your feelings, thoughts, news, rumours, links, and gossip !