"
Lyon is one of the best French clubs
," said Laurent Blanc the day he arrived at OL.
It is clear that for a few seasons, this is no longer really the case.
But, with the arrival of two new faces at the helm of the club, 2023 could mark a return to prominence for Les Gones.
After its nice success against Brest (2-4), Lyon wants to start a series against Clermont, this Sunday (5:00 p.m.), to get back in touch with the first places.
It is in any case the ambition of the new owner John Textor and his trainer.
To discover
Calendar and results Ligue 1
League 1 standings
Back on a European bench, six years after leaving PSG, Laurent Blanc had a mixed start with OL.
With only two wins in five games, the results did not live up to expectations.
But with only two players selected for the World Cup (Tagliafico and Karl Toko Ekambi), the former Bordeaux coach was able to count on an almost complete group during the World Cup break.
The match in Brest rewarded the work done: "
This victory confirms the good preparation, the young people were very good
" commented the "
President
" after the match.
General Lacazette responds present
If the start of the OL season highlighted the defensive shortcomings of Les Gones, the attacking side responds more present, in particular thanks to a great Alexandre Lacazette.
Decisive 13 times in 15 Ligue 1 games, the former Gunner is directly involved in 48% of Lyon's goals.
By establishing Toko Ekambi, Tête and Cherki, the Lyon coach is trying to find solutions to limit dependence on his captain.
They were all decisive in Brest.
Laurent Blanc seems to have high expectations of one in particular: Rayan Cherki.
“
You have to be lenient but also very strict and demanding with him because he has a lot of talent.
It is precisely that he puts his talent at the service of the team.
It's up to him to take his career in hand and to make sure
he said after the good performance of his young player (19 years old) against Brest.
If the OL attack is level, the former coach is waiting for reinforcements in the middle and in defense.
“
In the defensive field, there are a few more things to complain about and to work on... In this squad, offensively, there are a lot of possibilities.
I would like to have as many in the middle and behind...
“, he breathes.
In the middle, Blanc hopes to be able to count on Tolisso and Aouar 100% to give him more possibilities.
In defense, the main site concerns the hinge.
Castello Lukeba is the only indisputable but behind him, between Diomandé, Boateng and Da Silva, no player gives full satisfaction.
As reported by L'Equipe, Dejan Lovren could return to the club and strengthen a struggling sector.
The winter transfer window is eagerly awaited by Laurent Blanc who hopes that John Textor will put what it takes to allow OL to become "
one of the best French clubs
" again.