Lyon head coach Pierre Sage has delivered a pointed message to Wilfried Zaha and Gift Orban, following their omission from the squad in the 2-0 victory over Nantes. Sage’s decision to leave the two attackers out of the lineup is being seen as a direct warning, signalling his dissatisfaction with their recent performances and commitment levels.
After the match, Sage did not mince his words, addressing the reasons behind the exclusion of Zaha and Orban.
“I have a very clear conversation with those who play little or not at all,” he said. “It’s difficult for me to evaluate them as footballers if they’re not meeting certain criteria.”
His comments reflect a growing frustration with the two players, as he emphasized the need for self-reflection and a reassessment of their contributions to the team.
The Lyon coach stressed that his evaluation of players extends beyond their technical abilities on the pitch.
“I need to judge them on other aspects. If these do not correspond to the standards of a professional…” Sage remarked, making it clear that both Zaha and Orban are falling short of the club’s expectations, not only in terms of performance but also in terms of their attitude and professionalism.
This public criticism indicates that Sage is calling for more than just footballing talent from his players; he is looking for total commitment and alignment with the club’s project.
For Zaha and Orban, this means not just competing on the pitch but meeting the professional standards required of them within the squad.
Sage went on to underline the seriousness of the situation, stating that the two forwards may remain sidelined until they prove they can meet the club’s demands.
“As long as Zaha and Orban do not meet these demands, they could remain outside the group,” he warned.
His comments suggest that the duo will need to show more dedication if they hope to earn their place back in the team.
This decisive move by the Lyon coach serves as a strong signal to the rest of the squad that complacency will not be tolerated.
Sage hopes that his tough stance will motivate Zaha and Orban to rise to the challenge and demonstrate the effort required to regain their spots in the main squad.
The sidelining of two high-profile players like Zaha and Orban could be seen as a bold strategy, one that highlights the coach’s unwavering focus on professionalism and unity within the team.
For Lyon, it sends a clear message that every player, regardless of reputation, must earn their place through hard work and dedication.
