Memphis Depay has said he still doesn’t “feel like a respected player” at the club after making a game-changing cameo in their win over Angers at the weekend.
With Lyon struggling to break down ten-man Angers on Saturday, Depay replaced midfielder Jordan Ferri 10 minutes into the second half with the score 0-0. Eight minutes later, the Netherlands international set up Hossem Aouar for the opening goal and then — three minutes from time — scored the decisive goal himself in a 2-1 win.
Depay, who joined from Manchester United in January 2017, has now scored 27 times and recorded 17 assists in 63 league appearances for Lyon — 48 of which have been starts. But he told media after the game his status at the seven-time champions is not what he believes it should be.
“I’m sick of hearing every time that I changed the match,” Depay said. “I still don’t feel like a respected player.
“I get the job done every time, I’m mentally strong. I have to accept the coach’s decisions. I’m a little disappointed, I think I deserve more respect. I deserve better than that and I should play every game.”
The positive reaction was in stark contrast to Depay’s behaviour before the game at the Stade Raymond Kopa. The 24-year-old stayed on the team coach while his teammates headed into the ground, and he then sat on a matchball while the rest of the squad warmed up.
His postmatch outburst echoed the sentiments he had relayed to his teammates after Tuesday’s 3-3 Champions League draw at Hoffenheim. Depay had found the net to help put the seven-time champions ahead in Germany, but was irritated a late equaliser had been conceded after he had been substituted.
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