Olympique Lyonnais (OL) organised a public training session on Wednesday morning, in front of 700 children who were dismissed from partner clubs. This initiative is part of a partnership between OL and several clubs, allowing the young generation to draw inspiration from professionals a few days after the derby will encourage more than 2,000 supporters.
While tensions persist between OL and its partner clubs, this event could help strengthen the links between the various parties involved. John Textor, owner of OL, went to St.Priest’s U13 Easter tournament on Monday, despite the fact that the Lyon East Club turned to AS Monaco.
At the same time, the Bad Gones ultras expressed dissatisfaction with John Textor’s management by deploying a banner over the OL store at the Groupama Stadium. Lyon fans live a difficult week, marked by concern about the future of the club. Threatened by the National Directorate for Management Control (DNCG), OL must quickly bail out its caisses to ensure its qualification in the Champions League.
Last Thursday, the Bad Gones again expressed their discontent by deploying a banner at the Groupama Stadium, questioning the financial future of the club: “Without money at the end of the season, Molenbeek? Botafogo? Lyon? Who will be the pigeon?”
The regional newspaper Le Progrès reported on Thursday that OL responded to the accusations of Pierre Sage, who would not have received any transfer payments following his lay-off last January. The former Lyon coach and his staff are still demanding compensation, which they claim is unpaid by the American owner John Textor. According to Le Progrès, OL stated that discussions were under way to reach agreement on the amounts to be paid, but that no agreement had yet been reached.
Brazilian goaltender Lucas Perri was absent last Sunday during the derby in Geoffroy-Guichard. He went to Brazil to attend the birth of his first child, which went well for the mother and the newborn.
As the end of the season approaches, the Bad Gones continue to pressure OL players and leaders with banners. The financial situation of the club remains concerned