Fonseca informs Lyon players of departure decision

Portuguese Paulo Fonseca, the head coach of Olympique Lyon, has informed his players of his decision to leave his position during a meeting this morning, Monday, just one day after leading the team to a 2-0 victory over Angers in Ligue 1, according to "RMC Sport".

Paulo Fonseca is set to take charge of Sporting Lisbon, his preferred club, after reaching an agreement to return to Portugal. It is worth noting that he took over at Olympique Lyon at the end of January 2025.

Following the players being informed of his decision, Portuguese Jorge Maciel, Fonseca's assistant, took charge of the team's training temporarily, having previously performed the same role after the departure of coach Pierre Sagh, and before the appointment of Fonseca.

Massiel joined the coaching staff of Olympique Lyon in the summer of 2024 and led the team during the suspension of his compatriot Fonseca. Meanwhile, Spanish Carlos Vicens, former assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, emerges as the frontrunner to succeed the Portuguese coach after he was recently sacked by Sporting Braga.

The team captain Corentin Tolisso expressed his wish for Paulo Fonseca to continue after scoring a goal against Angers, as he went to celebrate with him, before saying: "I want him to stay." For his part, the Portuguese coach acknowledged the possibility of his departure, without providing definitive clarifications regarding his future.

Lyon are currently third in the Ligue 1 table after nine rounds, having collected six points from their first three matches in the UEFA Europa League group stage.

The team is preparing to face Real Sociedad on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League, before visiting Stade Brestois 29 on Sunday in Ligue 1.