“From the first few days, I felt at home”
He didn’t need time. Or so he says.
Lois Openda spoke on Tuesday, on the eve of the Champions League play-off second leg between Lyon and Fenerbahce. The Belgium striker arrived in Lyon this summer after a spell at Juventus, and he has waved away any suggestion that the switch was hard on him.
“From the first few days, I felt straight away at home. The welcome was brilliant. I’m not someone who struggles to adapt and, with my mentality and the group’s mentality, it was easy,” he said. Then a point few foreign signings can make: “people speak French, I know the country and the league well, so settling in was easy.” The former Lens man is not guessing there.
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One goal in two games, and he called it decent
Openda scored in Istanbul in the first leg, which ended 1-1. A useful goal. Not one that seems to have satisfied him.
“My first two games were decent, but I can do better,” he said. What followed came straight out of the modern number nine’s script: “Of course, the goal against Fenerbahce gave me confidence. For a number 9, scoring is really important. I hope I can keep it going.”
Decent. That word was picked on purpose. A striker signed to lead the line does not want it hanging around for long.
Groupama Stadium, 9pm, and a place in the league phase
Lyon host the return leg on Wednesday night. The 1-1 from Istanbul means everything is still to play for, and they have home advantage for the ninety minutes that settle it.
Openda has found the net once in two outings in his new colours. Wednesday would be a good moment for number two.
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