Lyon in contact with former Marseille manager Jorge Sampaoli

According to L’Équipe, Olympique Lyonnais are in contact with former Olympique de Marseille manager Jorge Sampaoli about the managerial vacancy at the club. 

Lyon are on the search for their third permanent manager of the season. Laurent Blanc began the season with OL, but didn’t last long. He was replaced by Fabio Grosso, who following his appointment in mid-September, only managed one win in his seven games in charge. His reign, the shortest of any OL manager in the club’s history, came to an end last week. 

Friio and Louis-Jean internal supporters of Sampaoli’s arrival

Pierre Sage, who has taken charge on an interim basis, lost his first game in charge of Les Gones against RC Lens, although despite the defeat, there was reason for optimism. However, he is not expected to be the long-term solution and L’Équipe have revealed that Lyon are in contact with Sampaoli, who is without a job after leaving Flamengo in September. 

David Friio, whose arrival at Lyon was confirmed on Friday, worked with Sampaoli at Marseille, and he has already opened contact with his former colleague. Sampaoli himself has begun watching Lyon’s games this season in preparation and has also prepared files on the club. 

Sampaoli has many other internal advocates at Lyon. The Argentine also worked with Matthieu Jean-Louis at Marseille, whilst he also has a strong relationship with Juninho and John Textor. The latter had earlier denied contact with Sampaoli whilst Grosso was still in his post, but the former OM manager now looks to be the frontrunner to take the Lyon job on a permanent basis. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle