Laurent Blanc dismissed as Lyon manager with Gennaro Gattuso leading the race to replace him

Laurent Blanc has been dismissed from his post as Olympique Lyonnais head coach on Friday, according to a report from L’Équipe.

The former PSG manager was under threat with Lyon sitting bottom of the league after losing three of their first four Ligue 1 games. Blanc’s outdated tactics and casual demeanour regarding his own future at Lyon – he suggested in a live TV interview that he should be sacked – did not help his cause. The outlet understands that Blanc learned about his dismissal last Friday. The club’s U19 coach Jérémie Bréchet and John Textor’s advisor Sonny Anderson as well as assistant coach Jean-François Vulliez are expected to oversee Tuesday’s training session with the senior squad. Vulliez is expected to be appointed interim head coach.

Hallucination level post-match interview from Lyon boss Laurent Blanc after two losses to start the Ligue 1 season, who appears to invite his own sacking.

Interviewer: “What can be done to change the situation?”

Blanc: “Change the manager.” pic.twitter.com/TU77HwYDCd

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) August 19, 2023

Lyon president and Eagle Football Holdings chief Textor has already spoken with potential replacements. The Athletic reported last week that former Chelsea FC head coach Graham Potter declined the opportunity to coach Les Gones. Former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui, 2022 Europa League winner Olivier Glasner and Red Star head coach Habib Beye have also been linked to replace Blanc.

L’Équipe adds that former AC Milan and Napoli head coach Gennaro Gattuso is leading the race to take over from the Frenchman. The former Italy international midfielder is reportedly keen to continue his coaching career at Lyon. Les Gones will host promoted Ligue 1 side Le Havre on Sunday.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval