Olympique Lyonnais came close to relegation in the last season of Ligue 1, an event that recalls a dark period in the history of the club. The situation worsened under the direction of John Textor, whose management methods, characterized by opaque operations and the sale of assets, provoked the indignation of many of the club’s actors: supporters, media and management. According to Nicolas Puydebois, Textor did not have a long-term vision for OL, but only aimed to enrich itself by diverting the club’s funds to finance other projects. This policy was particularly visible with the recent sale of Thiago Almada, illustrating a global strategy to destabilize the club.
Michele Kang’s arrival at the head of the club marks a potential turning point. She succeeds John Textor after a period of deep crisis, and his project seems stronger and focused on the club’s sustainability. The former owner, although trying to mask his intentions with optimistic speeches and intensive communication, never translated his promises into concrete actions. He is seen as a manipulator who deceived the entire Lyon community, endangering 75 years of club history.
Although Michele Kang’s takeover cannot completely erase the consequences of past mistakes, it offers a more promising outlook for OL. The current situation is a reminder of the dangers of casual financial management and the lack of long-term vision in football. The hope is that the new, stronger and more responsible project will restore the confidence of the fans and revive the club on a path of lasting success.
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