In the midst of the doldrums, the wounded and the galley, a little light. Sections. Stuck in a modest 12th place in Ligue 1, a classification unworthy of its rank, its budget and its ambitions, OL are (a little) smiling thanks to the Cups.
The Rhodaniens joined this Wednesday evening the last four of the League Cup by beating Brest (3-1) and they will, of course, challenge Juventus in a prestigious Champions League 8th final in a few weeks. They are still racing in four competitions (with the Coupe de France too).
Any positive effect, even small, Lyon takes it willingly. The start of the season was disappointing, on all floors. So everything is far from settled, but Lyon is happy with it. "We are keen to go get something to make up for the season," says Houssem Aouar, scorer against Brest and on whom OL rely a lot to save their season.
"We must not ignite"
"Confidence is starting to return," continues the midfielder. But we will have to win in Bordeaux ( Editor's note: Saturday in Ligue 1 ) to start talking about a good series and a comeback. You shouldn't ignite. We have already won two games in a row this season and then, afterwards, we fell back into our tracks. "
A little light, therefore, but still a lot of hassle. OL lost two of their best players for the rest of the season at the end of December, Memphis Depay and Jeff Reine-Adélaïde (knee) and are struggling to recruit. The (good) opportunities are rare, and very complex in January. In the game, the team coached by Rudi Garcia is still far from igniting its public, the Groupama Stadium was also three quarters empty against Brest.
Reinforcements expected to consolidate the building
"We are in a difficult situation in sport but not dramatic, said Jean-Michel Aulas. It is true that in the championship, we must rectify the shooting. The board of directors decided to recruit, but not at any cost and not under any conditions. We don't want to appear like someone who has too much money. We won't do anything. "
Lyon has the financial means to strengthen itself. Juninho explained at the end of December that he hoped for a player on each line. Faced with difficulties, OL primarily targets an attacker. Keeping an eye on a left back. The Lyonnais gave themselves a breath of fresh air. But everyone in the club knows that the building remains very fragile.
