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Laurent Blanc, former coach of the Blues who had six years without a top club since leaving Paris Saint-Germain, is now in Lyon to revive a broken down team.
Friday, October 7, the new poor performance against Toulouse in Ligue 1 (1-1), after four defeats in a row, resulted in the ousting of Peter Bosz. On Sunday, OL announced the recruitment of Laurent Blanc, for two seasons. The former 98 world champion, coach of the Blues and coach of Paris Saint-Germain is asked to revive OL, only 9th in the championship with 14 points after ten days, far from his goal of a podium and his desire to return to European level.
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— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) October 10, 2022
“I’ve always dreamed of having Laurent Blanc as a coach”
Laurent Blanc, 56, has not trained in France since leaving PSG in 2016. He was free of any contract since his dismissal by Qatari club Al-Rayyan last February. In just six seasons as L1 coach, three in Bordeaux and as many at Paris SG, the “President” has forged an impressive record, including four French championship titles, including three in the capital.
« I am happy. I have always dreamed of having Laurent Blanc as a coach. Thanks to him for having listened to our requests “, declares Jean-Michel Aulas during the press conference this Monday, October 10 when presenting the new coach.
« Over time, we forget you, but OL have not forgotten me “says Laurent Blanc. After Paris, Laurent Blanc admits to having needed to breathe. The former French international defender (97 caps) had already been mentioned to succeed Sylvinho in October 2019, before Jean-Michel Aulas’ choice fell on Rudi Garcia (2019-2021).
“We’re going to go gently, but firmly”
« The situation is not easy, but I’m happy to be here “assumes Laurent Blanc who met the staff and the players in the morning. “ I gave a short but determined speech in front of the players, says the new Lyon technician. “ We’re going to go gently, but firmly “, he adds.
The players are aware that the situation does not reflect the objectives. We will have to take as many points as possible before the break. There is an emergency, we must take points. We will have to regain individual confidence in order to have collective confidence afterwards.
Laurent Blanc wants experienced players to pull the group up. “ I would rely on them to make results by November 13 »,date of the winter break. The new coach intends to work during the break to have a good second half of the season with a new system of play and another philosophy.
« The mixed start to the season means that the heads are not released. It’s up to us to change that. At OL, the demands are high. There is everything to do. There’s work. I like it “, admits Laurent Blanc who does not feel the soul of a firefighter on duty.