This Saturday, two days before France-Belgium, it was Johan Bakayoko who came to appear in front of the press at the Jupiler Media Village. The PSV Eindhoven winger was seen as a potential revelation of this Euro but does not have the playing time hoped for.
Not yet the slightest tenure for johan bakayoko in this Euro 2024, and that should not change this Monday against France with the return of Dodi Lukebakio from suspension. Against Slovakia, he came on with about half an hour remaining and brought percussion, without managing to be decisive; remained on the bench against Romania, he had to be content with a discreet quarter of an hour against Ukraine.
A big disappointment, of course, for a player who was presented as one of the potential revelations of the competition and who is coming off a season with 14 goals and 14 assists. Bakayoko himself does not hide his feelings.
Bakayoko disappointed with his playing time
“Of course I’m disappointed not to have been in the starting line-up yet. I was hoping to play more, but I can’t say I’m frustrated. The decision is up to the coach,” he said at a press conference this Saturday from the Jupiler Media Village.
“You never come to a big tournament to stay on the bench. I have my qualities and I want to show them. But the coach makes the right decisions, we are qualified, so I can’t say much,” smiles Johan Bakayoko.
Against France, barring a surprise which can never be ruled out, Domenico Tedesco should renew a good part of the eleven which started against Romania, and certainly the attacking trio Doku-Lukaku-Lukebakio. Johan Bakayoko will therefore have to try to make the difference from the bench and force his destiny…
