Garcia aims to keep Barca boss Koeman away from Lyon attacker

Lyon head coach Rudi Garcia will do anything to make sure Barcelona gaffer Ronald Koeman does not buy their star man.

Lyon manager Rudi Garcia made a pun-intended comment saying he wants to “tackle” Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman. This is primarily because the Catalan club is immensely interested to purchase frontman Memphis Depay in January. And, clearly, Rudi does not want that to happen.

The Netherlands international, nevertheless, is in top form in Ligue 1 this season following his transfer to Lyon in 2017. Depay has already bagged five goals and three assists in the opening weeks making him a top prospect.

Lyon boss Garcia wants to 'tackle' Koeman to keep Barca away from in-form Depay https://t.co/Jga4F8MRPG pic.twitter.com/6XWUOP2I5a
— Sporting News Soccer (@SN_CA_Soccer) October 30, 2020

Though, the 26-year-old Lyon captain involved in a transfer talk with his former national team coach Koeman in Barcelona. This was during the summer transfer window, however, Depay made the decision to stay at the French club.

But, reported rumors say that the Dutchman might move to Barca when the winter transfer window opens up in January. The ex-Manchester United attacker will be able to prove his potential further if he joins his fellow countryman at Camp Nou.

Nonetheless, Garcia commented regarding Depay’s big move situation ahead of Lyon’s clash with Lille. In a rather funny way, he indicated to take Koeman down physically if he would want to sign the star striker.

“[It] makes me think about putting a tackle on Koeman when the time is right,” the 56-year-old quipped. “But when the time is right, I will do it.”

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— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) October 30, 2020

Moreover, Garcia is happy that Depay is doing well and is bound to find his best performance sooner or later.

“I’m not surprised [that he has started well],” Garcia added. “He does what he says is good at. Memphis needed time after his long injury layoff.

“Depay didn’t have 90 minutes in his legs previously. At the start of the season, we hoped that he could deliver what he is doing now. He plays the role of captain excellently. He’s very important to me as a coach.”