The right pick for OL recruitment.
Arrived on tiptoe this summer from Caen (L2), the young Johann Lepenant has already won in the midfield of Lyon, who plays in Lorient on Wednesday (7:00 p.m.) in a late match of the 2nd day of the League 1. And it looks like he will be difficult to dislodge: at 19, and after 54 very formative matches in Ligue 2, Lepenant took advantage of the injuries to Corentin Tolisso and Maxence Caqueret during the preseason to show himself to his advantage.
His experience in the lower division seems to have been beneficial, while other young people languish in a reserve team of N2 (4th div.) or on a Ligue 1 bench, like Rayan Cherki, who has only 9 complete pro matches in three years under his belt.
"
Inevitably, this gave me a little experience.
Ligue 2 is a tough, complicated championship.
This may have helped me in my integration into OL.
We had to adapt quickly when I tend to be shy and a little reserved
”, he admits, explaining that he was “
seduced by the Lyon project.
I am very happy to have made this choice.
Among other possibilities, when Lyon showed up, I no longer hesitated
, ”assures the player for whom OL spent 4.25 million euros.
To discover
Calendar and results Ligue 1
League 1 standings
Lepenant played in all the preseason friendlies before going on to start the first four league matches.
He was then spared on Saturday against Angers (5-0) leaving his place to Tolisso, one of OL's star recruits this summer.
“
I came here to progress alongside experienced players at the top level but also to play.
It's nice to train with players like Tolisso or Alexandre Lacazette whose advice I listen to.
With them, I can improve faster
, ”he detailed on Monday during a well-controlled first press conference.
“
For the moment, the coach trusts me.
I try to do my best to stay on the ground
“Said the young Norman, fan of Xavi, Iniesta or Ngolo Kanté and already compared to the former international of Nantes and OL Jérémy Toulalan.
“
Ligue 1 goes faster than Ligue 2. It's technically cleaner.
We had to adapt and I did well, but we have to keep working
, ”comments the former Caen player who arrived from US Granville (N2).
Since the first training, we see that he is very strong technically and very intelligent in his replacements.
He loses few balls after recovery.
peter bosz
Coach Peter Bosz is conquered by Johann Lepenant.
"
I'm a little surprised but the scouting worked very well
," he smiles.
"
He's a good player with a lot of qualities.
He is only 19 years old and he comes from a lower level than OL.
But since the first training, we see that he is very strong technically and very intelligent in his replacements.
He loses few balls after recovery
, ”analyzes the Dutch technician.
“
He has been very stable since the start of the season.
He played well in friendly matches and confirmed in the league.
I am very happy with him
“, he continues, inexhaustible.
Before challenging Lorient, where he should return to the Lyon eleven, Johann Lepenant welcomes the state of mind in the OL locker room, which took 13 points out of 15 possible.
“
A dynamic is building.
On the ground, we begin to find passing circuits.
We are moving forward with a good atmosphere in training.
We remain on a 5-0 victory over Angers and now we must confirm away after four successes at home
, ”he concludes.
