Patrick Zabi’s wait for a first Paris FC start continues, but the 20-year-old Ivorian is already making noise behind the scenes as the club prepares to travel to Lorient on Saturday night.
The Ligue 1 news
Paris FC paid around €25 million, including bonuses, to bring Zabi from Reims, making the two-cap Ivory Coast international one of the club’s major investments. Yet after five Ligue 1 rounds, he has played only 42 minutes in competitive matches and has not started once.
There is no alarm inside the player’s camp or at the club. Zabi, known as “La Magie” in his younger days, is viewed alongside 18-year-old Rudy Matondo as a central part of Paris FC’s long-term plan.
Sporting director Marco Neppe had identified Zabi well before his move to the capital and persuaded majority owners the Arnault family to back the deal. Neppe has remained close to the youngster, offering reassurance while he adapts to his new setting.
Zabi’s performances in training have strengthened the belief that his opportunity will come. During an eight-a-side internal match this week, his display was described by observers as remarkable and remained a talking point in the dressing room after the session.
Head coach Liam Rosenior has so far preferred not to rush the forward into a larger Ligue 1 role, despite his faith in Zabi’s considerable potential. The clearest glimpse came against Nice on August 30, when he entered in a wide attacking position during a 3-0 victory.
On that occasion, Zabi repeatedly troubled his direct opponent with his running and supplied the assist for Vincent Marchetti. It was a sharp reminder of why Paris FC were prepared to invest so heavily in a player they believe can shape their future.
Next appointment in France
Paris FC face Lorient away from home on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 20:45. Zabi will again be pushing to turn his growing influence on the training ground into more meaningful minutes in Ligue 1.
