My fellow SBOTOP writers have covered the downfall of Lyon this season, and they’ve hit the nail on the head each time. In September, amidst a dreadful 2023–24 Ligue 1 campaign, Lyon appointed Fabio Grosso to be the man at the helm in hopes that the seasoned Italian could turn their season around.
He signed a two-year contract with Lyon and immediately got his hands full as the struggling club’s new head coach. But after less than three months in charge, Grosso wasn’t able to put up favourable Ligue 1 2023 results, as the Italian only led Olympic Lyonnais to one win in seven top flight matches, collecting a total of just five points since replacing Laurent Blanc.
“Olympique Lyonnais would like to thank Fabio Grosso and his assistants for their dedication and professionalism since taking over the professional team.” the team stated, expressing their gratitude to the former Italian World Cup champion.
Internal struggles have been a part of the decision to abruptly cut Grosso’s tenure as head coach, as multiple reports suggest that the Italian had trouble winning over the squad and even developed some bad blood with key players such as Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette.
Grosso’s struggles to win over the dressing room cost him his job, ultimately leaving Lyon on a sour note. “Personally, I think it’s our fault, as a collective, but if you don’t agree, go and tell Textor. I just ask you that you tell me first,” Grosso told the press.
With this, Academy manager Frenchman Pierre Sage is given the responsibility to take charge of the team before management decides on a new head coach for the rock-bottom Lyon.
PSG – Mbappe’s transfer plot thickens
Kylian Mbappe’s transfer sweepstakes have been headlining the world of football for the past few days. The global superstar is in the final year of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, and as expected, a handful of clubs are on the edge of their seats trying to pursue the 24-year-old forward.
It was reported that Premier League clubs are on high alert and waiting for the right time to make a move for Mbappe. Arsenal and Liverpool have reportedly begun exploring the financial parameters to land the Frenchman this summer or even as early as January.
It has been well documented that Kylian Mbappe has been a fan of Jurgen Klopp for several years now, and this could give the Reds leverage in signing the 24-year-old. But in order for Liverpool to land Mbappe, they must be willing to part ways with their beloved Mohamed Salah.
With this in mind, Liverpool are one foot off the Mbappe transfer train, ultimately paving the way for Real Madrid to come into the picture. Real have already tried to pursue the Frenchman in the summer of 2023, but due to financial constraints, the Los Blancos were unable to make proper moves.
With the right components, finances, and most importantly, timing, the Los Blancos think they can make a serious run at landing the French superstar. Consider how daunting it must be to face Bellingham, Vinicius, and Mbappe on the same squad.
Nice – Formidable form places them in the upper echelon
Don’t look now, but Nice are just a point below league leaders and Ligue 1 2023 odds favourites Paris Saint-Germain. Nice’s surge this season came as a pleasant surprise for football fans as it brings a different landscape into the top-heavy league.
After just 13 games this season, Nice have already reached more than half of their Ligue 1 games last year, and given their current trajectory, they can easily go way beyond their total wins (15) in their 2022–23 campaign.
Francesco Farioli has done wonders for the team ever since he was appointed as the new manager in June. The 34-year-old has managed to lead his squad to 29 points and remain the only unbeaten team in the French top flight after 13 games.
OGC Nice chairman Jean-Pierre Rivère was high on Farioli, stating: “He’s an extremely promising manager with a lot of quality, both as a professional and as a person, and one who has already succeeded in making his mark on his previous clubs. We wish him welcome.”
Under Farioli, Nice have proven their dominance in the top flight by beating not just the struggling teams, but they’ve notably bested the likes of Monaco, PSG, and Rennes all in less than two months. They have a pretty good chance to reach the summit after their visit to Nantes, but the fact that they’re already rubbing elbows with PSG is already a sight to behold.
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