The arrival of Paulo Fonseca as manager has catalyzed a remarkable resurgence for Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1. After languishing in mid-table obscurity earlier in the season, Les Gones have come roaring back to life under the Portuguese tactician. With Champions League qualification now a realistic target, Lyon are playing some of the most scintillating attacking football in France.
Fonseca’s Tactical Revolution
Fonseca’s appointment raised eyebrows given his disappointing stint at AC Milan in Serie A. But the 49-year-old has emphatically proven his doubters wrong at Lyon. By instilling his trademark brand of expressive, attacking football, Fonseca has transformed Lyon into one of Ligue 1’s most potent outfits seemingly overnight.
In just three matches at the helm, Fonseca’s side have plundered an impressive 10 goals. The likes of Corentin Tolisso and Georges Mikautadze look reborn, with the freedom to express themselves in the final third. As Mikautadze explained after the 4-1 thrashing of Montpellier: “The manager told us to attack with our hearts, we have the talent and it paid off.”
Tolisso’s New Role
Fonseca’s impact is epitomized by his deployment of Corentin Tolisso in an advanced attacking role. The World Cup winner has scored in each of Lyon’s three games under Fonseca, relishing the freedom to burst into the box. “Coco has this freedom to enter the area, to understand when he has to be close to the striker,” Fonseca commented. “I really trust him, he is a true leader.”
Coco has this freedom to enter the area, to understand when he has to be close to the striker. He knows when to attack, and without the ball he also works a lot. I really trust him, he is a true leader.
– Paulo Fonseca on Corentin Tolisso
Mikautadze Spearheads the Attack
Meanwhile, Georges Mikautadze is flourishing as the spearhead of Lyon’s attack. The Georgian international has scored in back-to-back games and looks primed for a prolific end to the season. With Alexandre Lacazette likely to depart in the summer, Mikautadze’s emergence is timely as Lyon build for the future.
Champions League in Sight
Lyon’s blistering form has propelled them to within touching distance of the Champions League qualification places. With the likes of Tolisso, Mikautadze and Rayan Cherki firing on all cylinders, a top three finish is very much in play. Europa League success would provide another avenue back to Europe’s top table.
Next up for Fonseca’s resurgent side is the visit of league leaders Paris Saint-Germain. It promises to be a litmus test of just how far Lyon have come in a short space of time. But with the feel-good factor back at the Groupama Stadium and a clear tactical identity taking shape, Lyon will fancy their chances of causing an upset.
Fonseca’s Redemption
For Fonseca, leading Lyon’s revival is the ultimate shot at redemption after his Milan misery. His principled approach is bearing fruit with a squad shorn of egos and pulling in the same direction. If the Portuguese can steer Les Gones back into the Champions League, his reputation will be fully restored.
The race for Europe is heating up in France, with an intriguing battle in store for the remainder of the campaign. Under Paulo Fonseca, Lyon have the momentum and firepower to claim a seat back at Europe’s top table. The Champions League anthem could once again be ringing around the Groupama Stadium sooner than anyone predicted.
For Fonseca, leading Lyon’s revival is the ultimate shot at redemption after his Milan misery. His principled approach is bearing fruit with a squad shorn of egos and pulling in the same direction. If the Portuguese can steer Les Gones back into the Champions League, his reputation will be fully restored.
The race for Europe is heating up in France, with an intriguing battle in store for the remainder of the campaign. Under Paulo Fonseca, Lyon have the momentum and firepower to claim a seat back at Europe’s top table. The Champions League anthem could once again be ringing around the Groupama Stadium sooner than anyone predicted.
