Leopards, it is said, do not change their spots. Neither, it would seem, do out-of-favour ‘wantaways’ who refuse to play for one manager having fallen out with his predecessors, despite being made a millionaire by the club that employs him, change their mindsets.
Such would seem to be the case with the talented yet angst-ridden package that is Jean Clair Todibo, once of Barcelona, now of West Ham yet loaned out through sheer frustration to Lens back in his native France.
Yet Todibo hasn’t managed to make the mindset leap towards peace, contentment, and a regular starting slot.
It’s all relayed by insidefutbol.com in their article
“Boss Plays Down Unhappiness From West Ham Loan Star At Being Substituted” –
…Lens boss Yannick Cahuzac has played down West Ham United loanee Jean-Clair Todibo being angry about being substituted off against Lille and insists the defender’s fitness is being worked on.
On Friday, against Lille, the West Ham centre-back started the game and he was substituted in the 62nd minute mark, a decision which left the player visibly frustrated and angry. “
Todibo now on loan at French side Lens but still not pulling up any trees: Is anyone surprised?
Revealing that even now, two and a half years since Todibo’s arrival at West Ham, the player is still not fit for a full game. Surprise, surprise.
Did he ever manage 90 minutes in a West Ham shirt? I think maybe just once. Some players have ‘trouble’ all over them and Todibo, ever since his Barcelona exit, has struggled to find a place where he can hold down a squad place and keep his seemingly volatile nature in check.
Whether he will ever fully solve his ‘fitness issues’ after his dreadful childhood accident, who knows. His very existence near the top of the football pyramid is testament to his enormous mental strength. But more’s the pity that Tim Steidten didn’t choose to give him a very, very wide berth, instead choosing to whisk Todibo to West Ham on the private jet in 2024.
Another one in the ‘West Ham hall of fame crap transfers’: And he’s got another two years on his West Ham contract even after this season’s loan is over.
Thanks, Tim.