The seasoned French central defender, reflects on the trying period he endured during his time at Olympique Lyonnais (OL). After a four-year hiatus without a club, the 34-year-old footballer has recently found a new home, signing with Istres in National 3.
Yanga-Mbiwa’s five-year tenure in Lyon was marked by challenges, as he struggled to secure a consistent spot as an indisputable starter in the team
In the interview, he expressed his discontent, stating, “In Lyon, I was unhappy, I was at the bottom of the hole.
I was doing the right thing. Every day, I was square, correct. I brought what I could. I exhibited this exemplary behavior and was not rewarded in return without knowing the exact nature of the problem.”
Despite consistently demonstrating dedication and professionalism, Yanga-Mbiwa found himself on the periphery without clear insight into the reasons behind his exclusion from the starting lineup.
He lamented the unpredictable nature of football, acknowledging that merit doesn’t always guarantee playing time. “Football is like that, sometimes cruel.
The best don’t always play,” he emphasized.
The former Montpellier player revealed that he actively sought solutions to break free from the impasse during his time at Lyon. Proposing various alternatives, including transfer requests and amicable agreements, Yanga-Mbiwa’s attempts were met with resistance from OL. “I made proposals to different transfer windows to get out of this impasse, proposed an amicable agreement. Everything was refused,” he disclosed.
Putting the past behind him, Yanga-Mbiwa has turned the page on his Lyon chapter and is focused on his new venture with Istres.
His resilience and determination to navigate challenges in pursuit of his football career continue to define his journey in the realm of professional football.
