More than 13 months and 49 games in a row, in all competitions, without scoring a single goal, Jonathan Bamba has finally finished his long crossing of the offensive desert. By quickly opening the scoring on Sunday against Clermont, the Losc striker put an end to a big anomaly for a player who was supposed to be decisive in front of goal.
His joy and that of his teammates warmly congratulating him testify to the relief felt after more than a year without scoring. The last time he raised his arms to celebrate a goal was January 17, 2021 against Reims. Meanwhile, Lille became champion of France, qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League but Bamba remained desperately silent in front of goal. So inevitably, the smile was back on his lips in the mixed zone.
“I had complicated moments”
” It’s been a long time. When you find the net, it’s always important for a striker. I had a little complicated moments but I always continued to work and it paid off today so good for me, ”rejoiced the player after the meeting.
Despite this inefficiency, the 25-year-old has always kept the confidence of Jocelyn Gourvennec, his coach. A faithful soldier who respects instructions well and never hesitates to work defensively, Bamba is the ideal player for a coach. Even if the coach, the staff and the leaders of Losc have spoken a lot with him so that he finally regains confidence in front of goal.
He has always kept the trust of his leaders
“I spent a lot of time, insisting and telling him that what he was doing for the team until the last 20 meters was very good. Afterwards, I told him that to regain efficiency, you had to regain impact. We insisted a lot on this with the staff so as not to let go. The president (Olivier Letang) and Sylvain Armand (sports coordinator) also talk to him a lot. The players need to feel that they are being pushed”, recognizes Jocelyn Gourvennec, inevitably delighted with the return to favor of his foal.
“It’s good that it’s taking shape. He was looking for passes, goals and I hope that will give him more confidence, that it will be a click, ”concludes the Lille coach. Let’s hope now that Bamba won’t wait 49 games to raise his arms after a goal. The wait had lasted only too long.
