Ex-AC Milan boss Paulo Fonseca named new Lyon coach

The 51-year-old former Portugal international signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and has the task of trying to guide Lyon, who currently lie sixth in the table, to Champions League qualification.

Fonseca watched from the stands on Thursday alongside Lyon's American owner John Textor as Lyon clinched their place in the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to a 1-1 draw with Ludogorets of Bulgaria.

Sage was an unknown quantity when he was appointed in November 2023 to take over a team rooted to the foot of the French top-flight.

He revived Lyon's fortunes, guiding them to European qualification and a French Cup final which they lost to Paris Saint-Germain.

But he has paid the price for a run of five games without a win this month including a French Cup exit at the hands of fifth division side Bourgoin-Jallieu.

Fonseca, who was sacked by AC Milan in late December, has experience of Ligue 1 after impressing during two years in charge at Lille but he faces a battle to win over the Lyon fans who had taken to Sage and were angry at his sacking.

 

January 31, 2025