'It wasn't a mistake' - Lois Openda reflects on difficult Juventus spell
Lois Openda discusses his challenging season at Juventus and his productive start on loan at Lyon.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Steffen Prößdorf
Belgian forward Lois Openda, currently on loan at Lyon, has opened up about his difficult stint at Juventus. Signed from RB Leipzig for a reported 42.8 million euros, the forward struggled to make an impact, starting only nine matches across 34 appearances last season.
Openda found himself behind Dušan Vlahović and Jonathan David in the pecking order. Despite the struggles, the 26-year-old insists his time in Italy was not a mistake.
I spoke with Damien Comolli, who was then the club director, and he explained how he intended to use me in a difficult league. In Italy, the team that really exploits depth is Inter. Roma are only just starting to understand it. Lois Openda
The forward highlighted tactical differences, noting that the team was not accustomed to a player who makes runs in behind, unlike Vlahović, who preferred holding the ball. By the end of the season, Openda realized that leaving on loan was necessary to gain essential minutes.
His move to Lyon has been productive, with two goals and an assist in his first eight matches. While his form has improved, his long-term future remains with the Italian giants, as his contract at Juventus runs until June 2030.