Memphis Depay questions Lyon’s desire to challenge PSG for the title as Barcelona links continue

Lyon captain Memphis Depay has hinted that some of his team-mates are not up for a Ligue 1 title fight following their derby win over Saint-Etienne on Sunday.

The French side moved up to fifth in the table following a comeback win over their fierce rivals as two goals from substitute Tino Kadewere settled the match after an Anthony Lopes own goal had given Saint Etienne the lead.

Rudi Garcia’s side, who reached the Champions League semi-finals last season, are now seven points behind French top-flight leaders Paris Saint-Germain, who have won eight consecutive league matches.  

Lyon captain Memphis Depay has hinted his team-mates are are not up for a Ligue 1 title fight

The Dutch forward (middle) helped Lyon to a 2-1 derby win over Saint-Etienne on Sunday night

But when asked by Telefoot if Lyon are capable of winning the title, Depay said: ‘This should be our goal. 

‘Even though I can’t say everything that crosses my mind, about what’s going on, what I’m seeing at the club, there are things I can’t honestly say.

‘But it should be a motivation for all the players who come to Lyon. Because it’s a very big club, people have to realise that. And every player who comes to the club must realise this.

‘You come here to bring back trophies. There should at least be this mentality.’ 

Depay (left) has been in the thick of the action for Lyon scoring four goals in seven matches

Striker Depay has been Lyon’s main man in front of goal again this season, scoring four goals in seven league matches as the French side look to return to the European qualification places after a mid-table finish last term. 

The Dutchman has played this instrumental role ever since he arrived at the club in 2017 following a torrid time at Manchester United. 

The 26-year-old has hit double digit goal tallies in all competitions in each of the last three seasons at the Groupama Stadium. 

His Lyon form led to interest from Barcelona, who are managed by Depay’s former Holland national team coach Ronald Koeman, but a summer transfer failed to materialise this year. 

Dutch international Depay (above) has been linked with a move to Barcelona in January

But after the Saint-Etienne victory, Depay refused to rule out a January move to the Camp Nou which would bring a four-year spell in France to an end.  

‘You ask me about this a lot, but I’m not going to make promises that I’m not sure I can keep,’ he told Telefoot when asked if he will swap clubs in January.

‘I think Lyon has to take advantage of my presence here now, and I have to take advantage of being here. That’s what I try to do every day. You can ask those around me: I like to train, and I try to be positive every day.’

Depay’s contract in Lyon expires in July 2021 and will be able to move on a free contract from then.