Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca calls for Corentin Tolisso France return

Olympique Lyonnais grabbed their first win under new manager Paulo Fonseca at the weekend in style against Stade de Reims (4-0), and Corentin Tolisso was once again the heartbeat of Les Gones’ midfield.

The former Bayern Munich man hasn’t played for the French national team since an outing in a friendly against Spain back in 2017, but many surrounding Lyon are calling for the inclusion of the midfielder in France’s upcoming Nations League quarter-final clashes against Croatia in March.

This included coach Fonseca, who said “If he continues at this level, it’s a real possibility we could see him back in the France national team,” following the victory against Reims to L’Équipe. “He’s a magnificent team player, is very intelligent, and works for others.”

Not only did Fonseca have gleaming words of praise for the Frenchman, but so did Georgia international Georges Mikautadze. “He talks to us a lot on the pitch, but also in the changing room. He’s the first to harangue us, and we give our all to win. He’s been playing great matches since the start of the season.”

“He has the level to play for France, and I hope that pays off,” said the scorer of Lyon’s fourth goal against Reims yesterday. Tolisso has been involved in five goals for Lyon this season in Ligue 1 (3 goals, 2 assists), which his highest total in a season with a club from Europe’s top five leagues.

“The announcement of the squad list is in the back of my mind of course,” said Tolisso himself about a potential call-up. “We’ll see what happens, but it’s a goal.”

GFFN | George Boxall