John Textor confirms Laurent Blanc will stay on as Lyon manager | OneFootball

In the wake of a disappointing season that will (in all likelihood) once again see the club miss out on European competition, new Lyon president John Textor intends to make changes at all levels in an attempt to get the club challenging for the upper reaches of the Ligue 1 table again.

The American investor, who had already become majority shareholder last season via Eagle Football, took over last month from long-time president Jean-Michel Aulas. His aim is for the team to be finishing in the top two spots in the league –  “Lyon must return to the Champions League. In terms of organisation, it’s a failure not to be there.”

Textor has outlined his immediate plans for the club in an interview with L’Équipe published today. The Botafogo and Molenbeek owner explains that he intends to hire a Frenchman to head the club’s scouting department and make decisions regarding players, and is not sure about the prospect of bringing in an overall Sporting Director. Current Head of Recruitment Bruno Cheyrou, Textor confirms, will leave his position at Lyon and take on a role at Eagle Football.

He notably confirms that Laurent Blanc will remain as manager next season – “Laurent has done a great job. If you only look at the second half of the season, we’re at the top of the league. We want to give him better resources for next season. I want us to reinforce the squad with more experienced players, who have a certain tenacity. With that desire to win. More players like Alexandre Lacazette. We want leaders. The coach is right.”

Regarding the funds the club will have at its disposal for the upcoming transfer window, Textor indicates that the figure will depend on an upcoming meeting with the DNCG, French football’s financial watchdog. He adds that the sale of OL Reign will also help the club’s financial situation, as well as Michele Kang’s takeover of the women’s team, with the overall intention being to reduce losses.

GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin