Makoun Expects Competition In Lyon

With so many familiar faces around him, Jean II Makoun should have few problems settling in at Olympique Lyon. Kader Keita and Mathieu Bodmer both blazed a trail from Lille to Lyon last summer before being followed by head coach Claude Puel.

Speaking to Football365 ahead of Lyon’s match with Partizan Belgrade tomorrow evening, Makoun appeared to relish the new challenge. The Partizan clash marks the real outset of Makoun’s Lyon journey, as he tries to lay down a marker to establish himself as a first team regular in a midfield packed with quality.

“Competition will be very hard in midfield,” he said, “When you are given the chance to make a claim for a spot in the starting eleven you must try very hard to catch the eye of the coach. “

Makoun is in a unique position to comment on Puel’s style, whom he spoke of with respect. “For the moment, there are no differences between the Claude Puel of Lille and that of Lyon. He always wants to win.”

With close friend and compatriot Samuel Eto’o likely to move on this summer, Makoun was quick to dismiss any whispers that the Barcelona striker may be Lyon-bound. “I know him very well,” Makoun revealed, “We have played in the national team consistently together. I went to see his matches and came to him to see me in Lille.

“I spoke to him about Lyon immediately after I signed. But we did not enter discussions to make him come to Lyon. Agents deal with his sporting interests.

“It would be great if he came one day but I am not in a position to influence that.”

Robin Bairner