Sidelined with a muscular disinsertion in his right thigh since the 20th matchday on January 11 against Saint-Étienne, Jonathan Zebina won’t be making his comeback with the Toulouse squad in the upcoming weekend clash against his former club.
Toulouse, currently on a six-match winless streak in Ligue 1, is set to face Brest in the 28th round of the league. Despite his hopes of rejoining the action against his former teammates, the Martinican defender won’t be included in the traveling squad to Brittany.
Zebina, aged 34, had spent a season with Brest and expressed fond memories of his time there during a press conference. He acknowledged Brest as a source of satisfaction for him, emphasizing that he’s genuinely happy for the team. Reflecting on their recent challenges, he remarked, “Between their trip to Bordeaux and the series of matches they had to play, I saw them in a bit of trouble.” Despite this, Zebina expressed his optimism for Brest’s quick escape from their predicament.
Describing Brest as an optimal place for a footballer, Zebina highlighted the healthy pressure generated by the public and fervor surrounding football in the region. He praised the unique atmosphere of a football field, a passionate crowd, and the ensuing dynamic of events. While acknowledging that Brest may not boast the best collective or technical qualities in Ligue 1, he emphasized the team’s mental strength. According to Zebina, being part of Brest feels like achieving extraordinary feats, enhancing the capabilities of each player passing through. In conclusion, he lauded Brest as a very good club in France precisely because of these qualities.