L’Équipe report that Lyon are now looking for a new coach to succeed the current boss, Laurent Blanc, after a disastrous start to the season that has left the club in Ligue 1’s bottom three.
Time seems almost up for Blanc after the 4-1 home loss to PSG this weekend, which drew particular ire from the club ultras at full time and the new OL Group executive president, Santiago Cucci, spent Monday looking at the legal aspects of Blanc’s potential sacking.
Not wanting to rush a new appointment while looking to avoid a protracted transitional period, the new OL owner, John Textor, and his team are taking the time afforded by the international break to survey the coaching market.
Once a favourite for the role, Marcelo Gallardo is unlikely to be the next OL coach, despite currently being without a club, having indicated he is not particularly interested in the project. Former Wolves coach Bruno Lage, currently the manager at sister club Botafogo, is also unlikely to join, having only won four of his first 12 games with the Brazilian side since joining in July.
As a result, highly regarded young coaches Thiago Motta of Bologna and Reims’ Will Still have more support within the club, but the race is an open one.
Adam White | GFFN
