Arriving in Brazil as a star, Dimitri Payet is already facing strong criticism in the country of football.
Two months ago, Dimitri Payet, pushed out against his will by OM, arrived in Rio preceded by a fine reputation, then welcomed as a star by fans of the Vasco da Gama club. Since then, the person concerned has only taken part in six matches in the Auriverde elite, for a record limited to one assist.
Not a starter in the team coached by Ramon Diaz, the former Phocaean playing master is struggling to find a place in Brazil, where expectations for him are increasingly pressing and assertive. The de facto criticism is starting to be heard. Exit the praise, make way for the criticism, particularly on the physical condition of the leader – a little too strong in the eyes of local observers.
“I expected more”
Former icon of the Carioca club and striker of the Seleçao, Edmundo, now 52 years old, does not spare the former French international, who during his last outing was far too altruistic. “ Payet arrived expecting it to be different, but nothing has changed. There are excuses, we accept them. The adaptation, the long period without playing, but a guy with personality would have struck, even if it was with the left foot, and a goal could have been scored… »
And the critic added to a local media: “ We have to find a balance, give morale to the young people, to those who are really hungry, who want a place in the sun, and these players are complementary. I don’t think a player at the end of his career can solve the problem of a giant club like Vasco. I thought Payet would do a little more, I expected more! »
