In his column published in Le Progrès, Sidney Govou, legend of Olympique Lyonnais, delivered a sharp analysis of the current situation of his former club after the defeat against Brest (2-1). But it was above all Rayan Cherki, the most promising talent of Les Gones, who came under unexpected criticism. The former French champion did not mince his words, pointing out a period of poor form which he perhaps links to the agitation of the winter transfer window.
“Cherki is a tone below”
In a statement that will not leave anyone indifferent, Govou felt that Cherki was not up to the task at the moment. “In terms of creativity, if Rayan Cherki is a tone lower, everything becomes more complicated.” A remark full of meaning, especially in the context of an OL in great difficulty. Govou also seems to suggest that the turmoil around the transfer window could weigh on the performances of the young French international hopeful:
“We may not realize how much it held the team together.”
These words echo a general impression of a Lyon collective lacking inspiration. If Cherki is often considered one of the team’s offensive engines, his recent performances have struggled to meet expectations.
OL ready to sacrifice Cherki?
A worrying situation for OL
In addition to Cherki, Govou drew up an alarming observation of the current situation of Olympique Lyonnais. The former striker laments the team’s defensive difficulties, stressing that “too many chances are conceded too easily.” He also points out the lack of offensive edge, with attackers
“who run, but lack the ability to make a difference.”
Govou also questions the impact of the club’s overall situation on the playerss. “Last year, Pierre Sage played on the fervor. There, we have the impression that he is pulling on the same strings, but without success.” An observation which illustrates a club losing its bearings, where players are struggling to transcend themselves in a context of crisis.
Caqueret and training in the viewfinder
Finally, Sidney Govou did not fail to mention Maxence Caqueret, whose departure to Como is worrying: “Caqueret’s departure does something to me.” Govou also criticizes OL’s current training policy, believing that the club favors financial aspects more than sporting aspects: “They are there to trade.”
Once again, Sidney Govou highlights the many flaws of a drifting OL. Between executives in difficulty, a feverish youth and a contested club policy, the road to recovery still seems long for the Lyonnais.
