The landing will be terrible. In a week, Lyon will receive Dijon in Ligue 1, just a few days after bulging the torso in front of the greatest in Europe before folding (3-0) against Bayern Munich in the semi-final of the Champions League. A journey as heroic as it was unexpected which did not assure him of a presence in Europe next season. A first since 1997. A leap into the unknown, really?
Condemned to sell
OL are cut out to compete in Europe (at least the Europa League) every year, it's in their genes. But also in those of its finances. The club are ambitious and the prospect of a year without the European Cup falls badly. What is more after the first Covid-19 crisis. Jean-Michel Aulas has put forward several figures for loss of earnings, exceeding 100 million euros (in all) but they are impossible to quantify at the moment T. This year, with its brilliant career in C1, OL will touch between 70 and 90 million euros which will not fall into the boxes next season. And that, of course, will have to be anticipated. And therefore sell. Even for a club, owner of its stadium, and (perfectly) well managed financially in recent years.
Towards an exodus of executives
Lyon supporters fear to see the heroic team in the Champions League butchered from its best elements. Houssem Aouar (22), Lyon's best in the quarterfinals and semi-finals, has a very high market value. And an exit voucher. Ditto for Moussa Dembélé, the executioner of City (a double in quarters). "Yes, there will be departures, when you have players who have a very good C1, like Dembélé and Aouar ...", recognizes, always frankly, the sports director Juninho.
“Juninho spoke too quickly,” reacted his coach Rudi Garcia, more calculating in his communication. Lyon hope to keep Memphis but the Dutchman has only one year of contract. Unless he prolongs, it's time to get some money. OL also want to slim down, with fewer games next season. Traoré will not be retained in the event of a good offer. Like Koné and Tete. So sell, without buying much.
Beware of roller coasters
Something happened in the group. But also between this team and its supporters. Alchemy, communion. Unheard of here in years, where relationships are so stormy, so complex. "We must use it to break everything in Ligue 1", insists a source at the club. Many in Lyon are convinced of this. Even with the departure of some executives, OL can aim very high."If we continue, we can go very far at the championship level," said goalkeeper Anthony Lopes. But Lyon has too often been on a roller coaster in recent seasons. "You have to quickly get back into the championship and I fear that it will come too quickly ...", murmurs Garcia. An OL at this level in C1 has nothing to do with 7th place in Ligue 1. Even with some players less.