COUPE DE FRANCE: MEHDI ZEFFANE HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE
In the upcoming round of 16 in the Coupe de France, Lyon is set to face Yzeure (CFA). However, the team will have to navigate the match without the injured Miguel Lopes and Mouhamadou Dabo. Due to these absences in defense, Mehdi Zeffane is expected to step into the starting lineup, presenting him with an opportunity to showcase his skills.
Zeffane acknowledges the competition with Miguel Lopes but remains focused on his own preparation. Despite not gaining much trust from his coach earlier in the season, he sees the injury to Lopes as a chance to contribute more to the team. “We know that I am in competition with Miguel,” he said. “Unfortunately, he got injured. It could give me more playing time. But I’m not going to change anything; I’m going to continue to prepare as before.”
Maintaining a collective mindset, Zeffane emphasizes the importance of the team’s overall success. “The team is doing well with a starting eleven. We must, therefore, remain concerned; we think above all of the collective. No mood that could endanger the dynamic of the team.”
Expressing impatience to prove his worth, Zeffane acknowledges the challenges of seeing others chosen ahead of him but believes that his coach noticed a change in his mindset during Europa League matches. Remi Garde, the coach, supports this observation, noting Zeffane’s improvement in defensive aspects and his potential for further development. Garde expects Zeffane to seize the opportunity to express himself during the upcoming match, highlighting the chance for a young player to make an impact when joining a successful team.
