2023-09-19 05:15:08
Even sixteenth in Ligue 1, Olympique Lyonnais remains one of the most publicized clubs in the French championship. Around forty journalists were present this Monday morning for the induction of Fabio Grosso as coach of Olympique Lyonnais. Wearing a white t-shirt under a navy blue jacket, the Italian, delighted to see some of the faces he met during his time as a player at OL (2007-2009), first spoke of his immense enthusiasm for returning to Lyon: “ This city left me with incredible memories, I kept a giant memory of my experience at OL. Being the coach of this club is something big for me. »
“The main thing is that OL was the first choice for me”
And too bad if he was not the first choice of John Textor, who had previously targeted Graham Potter, Oliver Glasner then his compatriot Gennaro Gattuso: “It doesn’t matter if I am the first, second or third choice, the main thing is that OL was the first choice for me.” The only manager present at his side, John Textor justified this final decision: “When you take a coach who has succeeded in the second division, you can ask yourself the question: can he be up to the task? Fabio was also a former great player, at the highest level since he won the World Cup. He also played for OL, he speaks French. The combination of his career as a coach and player inspired me with confidence.”
Fabio Grosso and John Textor this Monday. Photo AFP/Jeff Pachoud AFP or licensors
Especially since the Eagle football division has carefully examined the course of Frosinone, crowned last season in the Italian Serie B. “They played exciting football, performing well defensively and offensively,” rejoices the American. Not enough to know more about the style of play that the technician intends to practice at Olympique Lyonnais. And it was not the person concerned who enlightened the curious, contenting himself with a few banalities on the subject: “The most important thing is that the team plays together. We have to do good things collectively, that’s what makes the difference. We will work with confidence because it is the most important thing to succeed. For me, it’s important to look the players in the eyes and convey my determination to them.”
“I don’t really like rest”
OL players will have to wait until their first meeting with their new coach this Monday afternoon to find out more. They can nevertheless expect a higher workload than under the Laurent Blanc and Peter Bosz eras: “I don’t really like rest. To progress, you have to work. I have a clear idea of what we are going to propose. I like to see intensity on the pitch.”
Arriving in Lyon with four compatriots (an assistant, two physical trainers and a video analyst), Fabio Grosso will take stock in the coming days on the constitution of his technical staff. Will the Vulliez-Bréchet-Anderson interim trio be retained? The new coach is waiting to discuss with them before making a decision: “I know that there is continuity in this club and that is something important. We have to understand the people who want to continue working with us.”
Like Laurent Blanc, for whom he had an elegant little word, Fabio Grosso was assigned a Champions League objective by John Textor: “We are not a training club, no we are a Champions League club. Everyone at this club thinks that not being in Europe would be a failure. With Fabio, we have the right person, who will do this work step by step, match after match. I feel blessed to have found it.”
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