Gourcuff clears the air

Yoann Gourcuff has revealed the secret to the upturn in his form for Lyon this season.

Gourcuff said the decision to share some of his life experiences with his Lyon colleagues has allowed him to enjoy his football again following two mixed seasons at the club.

The 26-year-old initially struggled with form and fitness after swapping Bordeaux for the Stade Gerland in 2010 but has demonstrated an improvement this term, resulting in a recall to the France squad for next week’s friendly away to Italy.

“The atmosphere is different (at the club) and so is the way I am considered,” Gourcuff told reporters at a press conference ahead of his side’s Ligue 1 match against Sochaux.

“I just tried to explain (to the team and coaching staff) how I behave, what I do each and every day in order to avoid any distortion.

“I just told them I was here to work hard, I am discrete off the pitch and I am the player who enjoys collective work on it.

Gourcuff also hinted that some people had questioned his lifestyle away from football despite not knowing the facts, adding: “There were many people speaking on my behalf without knowing anything about me, anything about my life.

“I just wanted to make some things clear with the squad, the staff. It helps them understand who I am.”

Lyon sit third in Ligue 1 going into the weekend’s round of fixtures and are just one point behind Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille.