Julen Lopetegui, the former manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, has recently been linked with the vacant managerial position at Olympique Lyonnais, according to reports from Sky Sports and Sports Zone. The current Lyon manager, Laurent Blanc, has faced mounting speculation about his job security, particularly after a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain over the weekend, as reported by L’Équipe.
Lyon’s search for a potential successor is reportedly already underway, with former Chelsea manager Graham Potter having rejected an approach from the club, as per The Athletic. Lyon, who currently find themselves at the bottom of Ligue 1 after four games, are said to be looking for a manager who is currently out of work in order to avoid hefty compensation fees. This is where Lopetegui comes into the picture.
Ex #cfc and #bhafc boss Graham Potter has declined chance to take over at Lyon.
Potter was impressed by Lyon’s owner John Textor, who has big plans, but Potter felt move wasn’t the right time.
Lyon now likely to approach Lille boss Paulo Fonseca and ex #wwfc Julian Lopetegui.
— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) September 7, 2023
Having left Wolves just before the start of the Premier League season, Lopetegui falls into the category of managers who are currently available. Sky Sports suggests that Lyon is likely to make an approach for the Spanish manager, given their precarious financial situation. Lopetegui’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is also reportedly involved in the process of finding the next manager for Lyon, with initial plans to place Botafogo’s Bruno Lage in the role. However, it appears that Lopetegui has emerged as the frontrunner for the position.
The potential appointment of Lopetegui as Lyon’s new manager could bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to the struggling French side. With his previous managerial stints at clubs like Porto and Sevilla, Lopetegui has proven his ability to lead teams to success. His tactical acumen, coupled with his understanding of the game, could potentially rejuvenate Lyon’s performances on the pitch.
Furthermore, Lopetegui’s arrival at Lyon could also have wider implications for the club’s future. As an out-of-work manager, he may be more open to working with Lyon’s financial constraints, allowing the club to allocate resources more efficiently. This could potentially lead to the development of a sustainable long-term plan that focuses on nurturing young talent and building a strong foundation for success.
Julen Lopetegui’s potential appointment as the new manager of Olympique Lyonnais represents an exciting prospect for both the club and its fans. His track record and managerial style make him a strong candidate to lead Lyon out of their current predicament. As the club’s search for a new manager continues, all eyes will be on Lyon’s decision-makers as they consider the future direction of the team.
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