Olympique Lyonnais is preparing for a season full of sporting challenges and organisational changes. The calendar intensified with the 7th day of the championship against Toulouse on October 5, marking the end of a series of five games in 17 days. The team, composed of 25 UEFA players, benefits from the presence of all its recruits, including Ernest Nuamah, despite his persistent injury. The club also announced the candidacy of its iconic president, Jean-Michel Aulas, to the city hall of Lyon, a project that has been motivating him for some time and which he tackles without precise political label.

David Friio, the former sports director of OL, recently criticized the management of the former owner, John Textor, during an appearance at Canal+. He highlighted the club’s initial difficulties in December 2023, with a catastrophic ranking, and the spectacular improvement brought by the arrivals of players. However, he expressed concern about the problems of multi-ownership and the resulting drifts. These revelations came after a period of stability and progress for the team, which rose from last place to 6th position in Ligue 1.

At the same time, coach Paulo Fonseca will soon be allowed to return to his players’ locker room after a nine-month suspension, following an exclusion in a match against Brest. This suspension, which began in March 2024, still prohibits access to the bench and restricts its presence to press outlets. He will therefore be able to resume his usual duties in the match against Angers on 19 September, although he has to wait a few more weeks to regain his full Ligue 1 coach rights.