Arriving free this summer, central defender Samuel Umtiti has not yet managed to impose himself on Lille. The French international is not favored by coach Paulo Fonseca who particularly prefers the very young Leny Yoro.
Samuel Umtiti is not favored by Paulo Fonseca.
If Samuel Umtiti has disappeared from the typical LOSC team, this time, it is not linked to possible physical problems.
The 29-year-old central defender, replacing in the Lens derby (1-1) then against Brest (1-0) on Sunday, simply suffers the choices of Paulo Fonseca in Ligue 1.
Young Yoro prfr Umtiti
The Lille coach prefers the athleticism and combativeness of the Brazilian Alexsandro, as well as the talent of the very young Leny Yoro (17 years old).
With them, the Mastiffs have just taken 7 points out of 9, with only one goal conceded. Fonseca therefore has no difficulty in accepting his decision. I respect everything Sam has done, he’s a great player, a great professional, a great man. But for me, the most important thing is not age, it’s performance, explained the Portuguese, obviously reluctant to the idea of changing a defense that gives him satisfaction.
Fonseca reassures his recruit
I think this stability is important for the whole team, he added at the risk of worrying the 2018 world champion. Arriving free this summer, Umtiti perhaps did not expect this scenario. The player released by FC Barcelona, with his experience and the level shown on loan to Lecce last season, seemed destined to compensate for Fonte’s departure. The task promises to be more difficult than expected. But Fonseca does not close the door on him.
I have confidence in all the players, I have a lot of confidence in Sam, underlined the former Roma coach. But I think it’s fair to say that at the moment Yoro and Alexsandro are playing very well. We have a lot of games, a long season. We need all the players. I’m very happy to have the defenders I have. Thanks to the sequence of matches, Umtiti could start against Bratislava on Thursday (6:45 p.m.) in the Europa Conference League. And perhaps shake up his coach’s certainties.
In your opinion, will Samuel Umtiti succeed in winning Lille? Don’t hesitate to react and debate in the Add a comment area…
2023-10-23 20:52:00
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