After a period of internal tension, Olympique Lyonnais can finally take a week of training in a more serene environment. The team, which resumed training last Monday, was faced with the uncertainty of relegation in Ligue 2 until Wednesday. Freed from this pressure, players can now focus fully on preparing for the return to Ligue 1, scheduled for the weekend of 17 August in Lens. This preparation includes one month of intensive work, including an internship in Austria and six friendly matches.

The first friendly match will take place next Saturday at 10.30 a.m. at GOLT C, against Villefranche-sur-Saône, a partner club with which OL have frequently exchanged in recent years. This meeting will be a different preparation for both teams, as FC Villefranche-sur-Saône has already started training for two weeks and has already played a friendly match on July 19 in Décines.

Fabien Pujol’s team started their friendly match series this Saturday with a match against Clermont, which resulted in a loss (1-2) at Armand Chouffe Stadium. Babacar Leyen’s goal at the end of the game helped narrow the gap. Before facing OL, FC Villefranche-sur-Saône will play a second friendly match on Wednesday against Nancy, a Ligue 2 team, to complete its preparation.