'I deserve better' – Memphis 'fed up' with being left on Lyon bench

The winger came off the bench to net the winning goal against Angers but was in no mood to revel in the glory as he called on his coach to start him

Memphis Depay says he is “fed up” with his place on the bench at Lyon, insisting he “deserves better” for his performances.

The 24-year-old attacker came off the bench to score the winner in Saturday’s clash with Angers just days after being brought on to have a say in their 3-3 Champions League draw with Hoffenheim, taking his account to four goals and assists in all competitions.

Memphis has been dropped to the bench four times this term and after finishing 2017-18 with 22 goals and 17 assists, he feels he has done enough to cement a place in coach Bruno Genesio’s starting XI.

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“I’m sick of always hearing that I changed the game. I don’t always feel like a valued player,” he told reporters. “But I do the job every time and I’m mentally strong.

“I have to accept the coach’s decisions, but I’m a bit disappointed. I’m fed up with this situation. Last year, I thought I had a great season. I’m 24 and if I want to go to new levels, I need to be placed on a certain trajectory.

“Great players play all matches. This is the 4th time I have found myself on the bench… I deserve better. A player like me deserves more respect. I should be playing every match.”

Despite Memphis’ rant, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas says the club are satisfied with his performances as well as his character and sees no reason to sanction him.

“This is where he demonstrates that he is a great player with personality,” he told RMC. “He knows how to pass on his bitterness, the frustration of not starting the game to allow us to win with his team-mates.

“We have very good relations with Memphis so things will be settled privately.

“The great players are the ones who have the talent but who also know how to challenge themselves when we are in trouble.”