Wilfried Zaha, who joined Olympique Lyonnais during the summer transfer window, is already under fire for his performances and attitude on the pitch. After a lackluster display in his first start against Toulouse, the 31-year-old Ivorian forward is struggling to win over Lyon supporters.
Zaha’s arrival at Lyon, on loan from Galatasaray, initially sparked optimism. The move was orchestrated by club owner John Textor, reportedly without consultation with Lyon’s management or coach Pierre Sage.
Despite the high expectations surrounding the former Crystal Palace star, his adaptation has been far from smooth.
A Disappointing Start
Zaha’s first start in Ligue 1 came on Sunday against Toulouse, but his performance left much to be desired.
He was closely watched by Lyon fans, hoping to see flashes of the talent that made him a standout in the Premier League.
Instead, Zaha’s display was heavily criticized, both for his lack of impact on the game and his perceived lack of effort.
Touching the ball only 33 times during the match, Zaha failed to make a meaningful contribution. Social media was flooded with criticism, particularly targeting his nonchalant attitude.
Fans expressed frustration at his minimal involvement in both attack and defense, leading to a sense of disappointment that has quickly turned into widespread discontent.
Adding to the tension, Zaha was visibly unhappy when he was substituted in the 52nd minute by coach Pierre Sage. In a post-match press conference, Sage acknowledged the concerns, saying, “He was the first player to come off, which shows that I saw the same things as you.”
However, the Lyon manager remained optimistic, stating, “I know he’s going to evolve. He’s going to integrate little by little and understand what’s expected of him.”
Off-Pitch Struggles
Beyond his struggles on the pitch, Zaha’s adjustment to life in Lyon has reportedly been difficult. According to Turkish media, the Ivorian forward and his family are struggling to settle in the city and may regret leaving Istanbul, where Zaha had found his footing at Galatasaray. These off-field issues could be contributing to his slow start in France.
Zaha had shown promise in previous appearances, including an assist in a Europa League match against Olympiakos.
However, his performance against Toulouse has raised concerns about his commitment and his ability to adapt to Lyon’s playing style.
The Ivorian winger’s discontent following his substitution suggests there may be deeper issues affecting his form and attitude.
The Road Ahead
For Zaha, the coming weeks are critical. He will need to turn things around quickly if he hopes to win the support of Lyon fans and prove his worth to coach Sage.
The question on everyone’s mind is whether the Ivorian international can overcome his early struggles and deliver the performances Lyon need in their quest for domestic success.
While coach Sage remains hopeful that Zaha can improve, it is clear that time is running out for the 31-year-old to make his mark.
His first start may have been disappointing, but Zaha will have to dig deep, adjust to his new environment, and deliver consistent performances if he wants to turn the tide of criticism and secure his place in the Lyon squad.
