Olympique Lyonnais came close to the sporting catastrophe, finding himself in difficulty in Ligue 2 for a couple of weeks. The DNACG appeal commission finally validated the recovery plan presented by Michele Kang, allowing the club to stay in Ligue 1. This relief for the institution and the city is accompanied by a crucial question: how to rebuild after this administrative rescue? The priority now is to put the game back at the heart of the strategy, with one month before the championship was resumed to implement this plan. Currently, 29 players, some of whom are recovering, such as Oreland Koli However, the September mercato is expected to lead to significant movements, with a demonstrated willingness to reduce the payroll to โฌ75 million, which is likely to involve departures.
OL’s strategy to achieve its European objectives is based on a delicate balance between maintaining key players and developing young talent. Several players could be targeted for their start, including Jordan Verret, Nemanja Matiฤ, Adryelson and Duje Caleta-Car, while others such as Lucas Perret and Malick Fofana are considered essential. Nicolas Puydebois stresses the importance of maintaining a solid frame and building on the experience of players like Corentin Tolisso, as well as the potential of young people like Lucas Perret and Georges Mikautadze. General Manager Michael Gerlinger reaffirms the club’s ambition to qualify for European competitions, while recognizing the need to adapt to budget constraints.
OL are entering this new season with a mixture of uncertainty and enthusiasm. The recruitment unit, now without the influence of John Textor, will be in the spotlight, with the opportunity to give playing time to players from the training centre. Nicolas Puydebois believes that this opportunity can reinforce the mentality and mindset of the team, and that the Lyon public is able to show tolerance towards young talent. The success of this new season will depend on the club’s ability to reconnect with the values that have been its reference for a decade, while managing the public’s expectations and possible difficulties encountered along the way.