Zimbabwe international forward Tino Kadewere has an opportunity to make a fresh start at French Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyon following the appointment of former Italian World Cup winning star Fabio Grosso as the new head coach last week.
Grosso will take charge of his first match as Lyon coach away at Brest as he seeks to claim the first win of the season for the struggling club.
Kadewere has endured a torrid time at the club in the last two seasons after a promising debut season three years ago following a €12 million move from Le Havre.
Since arriving at Lyon, Kadewere has featured in 50 league matches, 33 of them in his first season and just 15 in his second before he was shipped to Spanish La Liga side Mallorca for a season-long loan spell last year.
In the 50 league appearances, Kadewere scored 11 goals, 10 in his debut season and one the following year.
Nothing much has changed for Kadewere who was tipped to leave the club during the window as he has played just 64 minutes this season.
The 27-year-old Zimbabwean missed last weekend’s 0–0 draw at home to his former side Le Havre due to a minor knock.
However, he is expected to be available for Grosso’s first game in charge against Brest tomorrow.
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Grosso challenged all the players to feel involved and work hard in his first interview after joining the club.
“The most important thing is that the team plays together. We need to do good things together; that's what makes the difference. Each one of us must give to elevate the team's level,” he said.
“We have a meeting with the players this afternoon (Monday). We'll talk, and we'll start working. I like it when we train a lot because to progress, you need to work. I have a clear idea of what we will offer. We will transmit energy, which is very important on the field.
“I have confidence in the players' qualities. We will make choices, of course, that's why I'm here. It's important to make the players feel involved and to show them that we trust them. We need to say it and show it. Everyone must work hard,” Grosso added.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Kadewere is angling for his first start against compatriot Marshall Munetsi’s Stade de Reims next weekend, with chief striker Alexander Lacazette suspended for that game.
Lacazette, formerly with English football side Arsenal, made a comeback from a two-match suspension in Sunday’s 0–0 home draw with newly-promoted Le Havre.
However, he was given another caution barely five minutes into the match which meant that he will miss the next match.
Ligue 1 confirmed Lacazette’s suspension for the trip to Stade Auguste Delaune earlier in the week
Kadewere will have to battle with Bissau-Guinean forward Mama Samba Baldé who is on loan from Troyes for the starting place against Reims.
