The return of the former idol of Gerland as sports director in June 2019 had caused immense expectations in Lyon. But two and a half years later, Juninho's record as a sports director is very mixed. He had initially chosen his compatriot Sylvinho as coach but he was sacked in October 2019 and replaced by Rudi Garcia. With the former coach of OM, relations have strained to become very conflictual. In sporting terms, OL have failed to qualify for the Champions League or win a title in the past two seasons. Currently, the club is only 7th in Ligue 1.
Invited this Wednesday in the program "Rothen ignites" on RMC, the former player of the club (2001-2009) mentioned a possible departure next June.
“I hope to finish the season well, and at the end, normally, it's over.
I said three years.
I will think carefully at the end of the season.
But in my head it was for three seasons.
"
"Train?
It stays in my head "
The 46-year-old Brazilian spoke of a need to rest.
“For a lot of people, you don't do much when you're a sports director.
But there is enormous mental fatigue.
I don't want to go over the limit.
It's not a threat, I love the club, I have a lot of respect for the president and for the institution.
I have also given a lot to the club and this should not be forgotten.
"
Juninho has not hidden, either, that he would like to get closer to the pitch to become a coach.
In the short term, that will not be possible in Lyon or in France, because he does not have the necessary diplomas.
"Train?
It stays in my head.
I like football, the field, the training, the tactics.
With Peter Bosz, I learn a lot of things.
But in life, you never have everything you want.
If it is possible and I have the opportunity, I will try.
I would rather try and not succeed, rather than say to myself in ten years: why haven't I tried?
I am afraid of a lot of things, but not to try ”.