The players of Paulo Fonseca of OL enjoyed a day of rest after an intense internship in Austria and two friendly matches. This break allows them to focus on their family life before the training resumes. However, the team does not remain inactive, with Nicolas Tagliafico continuing his individual training program at Dรฉcines, where he has taken his habits since July 2022. This decision to extend his contract until June 2027, despite OL’s difficulties in the Champions League, was greatly appreciated by fans, who admire his commitment and his state of mind.
Tagliafico’s extension is seen as a surprise in the context of OL’s fiscal austerity cure. Although he has accepted a pay cut, he remains a key player for Paulo Fonseca, able to troubleshoot in defense to three or fit into the game. His profile is appreciated for his ability to bring tactical diversity to the team, as Guardiola does in Manchester City. OL is focusing on youth for next season, but executives like Tagliafico are essential to hope for good results. He is described as a leader by example, embodying investment and discipline in training.
At the same time, OL U19 participated in a week of training and friendly matches in Maine-et-Loire. Florent Balmontรฉ’s group first faced FC Nantes in a friendly match and then took part in the CariSport tournament to prepare for the championship’s recovery on August 24 in Thionville. The results of this experience are mixed, with a draw against FC Nantes, a defeat against Angers, and two other standings defeats against Montpellier and FC Metz. These results leave questions about the team’s prospects for the 2025-2026 season, although there is still work to be done before the competition begins.