Pierre Lees-Melou returns from injury to bolster Brest’s midfield

Right before the FIFA international window, Stade Brestois welcomed the return of a pivotal figure to their incredible 2023-24 season: Pierre Lees-Melou. The veteran midfielder saw his first action of this new campaign, playing 79 minutes in the 2-0 win over Le Havre last Sunday.

Lees-Melou missed the start of the 2024-25 season after suffering a broken fibula in April, which ended his 2023-24 campaign. The 31-year-old made 31 total appearances last season, scoring four goals, and in a March interview with L'Equipe, he noted why it was a good fit between him and Brest.

"Honestly, in terms of enjoyment, since the coach arrived, these have been my best years. These are values that resonate with me. The atmosphere, the stadium, the players... We get along really well. I'm rediscovering this No. 6 position that suits me perfectly."

The Brest standout mentioned that the team's performance last campaign wasn't surprising since the strategy had been implemented before the season started.

"We're not going to act like this isn't a surprise. At the start of the season, the coach didn't set goals for a top three or top five finish. We're surprised to be in such a good position, but not by the performances we've been putting in."

Les Pirates continue to surprise the outside world this season as they're the only Ligue 1 side to have won their first two UEFA Champions League matches. Brest defeated SK Sturm Graz 2-1 on Matchday and then went on the road for a lopsided 4-0 victory over Red Bull Salzburg.

Brest have also started finding form in Ligue 1, having won two of its last three league matches. All these performances were without Lees-Melou, whose return will only bolster their attempt to climb the table.

Once the FIFA window is over, Brest will face Stade Rennais and then focus on Matchday 3 of the Champions League when they face reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

It will be Lees-Melou's first Champions League contest with Brest and after recovering from a serious injury over the past few months, there will be emotions once he hears that iconic music before the contest.

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