A great old to try to revive? Decisive for having turned a corner at OL during his time as a player (1999-2003), Sonny Anderson returns to Lyon as a sports adviser. A transversal role, which no longer existed within the Rhône club since the death of Gérard Houllier at the end of 2020, for the former striker. The latter will retain this function within the Lyon-La Duchère club (National 2) as well as his activity as a consultant for the beIN Sports channel.
“He can tackle all subjects if they are obstacles to a return to the very high level”, estimated its president Jean-Michel Aulas during his presentation to the press on Thursday. “The club is not well? Yes, but he is still there, with ambitions, asserts the Brazilian. When you reach the top of Europe and the French championship, you want to stay there. It takes time for it to come back and we will get down to it, get to work. We want to be positive. »
The former center forward will therefore have to find his place alongside the general manager of football Vincent Ponsot, the director of recruitment Bruno Cheyrou as well as the coach Laurent Blanc. “The interest is that he brings something more, that he has this freedom to say things, supports Vincent Ponsot. Sonny will be free to say whatever he wants to say. “He has total freedom to be able to intervene where he wants and when he wants,” continues Jean-Michel Aulas. We want to overcome the sporting handicap, we know where we come from. »
“It’s not his role to talk to the players”
“Everyone wants the club to get their place back. Then you have to do good analyzes and good strategies, said Laurent Blanc, recovered from his pneumonia. He can bring his experience, he knew the high level, he is Brazilian and that can help for the future. It’s not his role to talk to the players. But if he wants to give advice to Jeffinho or Thiago Mendes, I am pragmatic. If it’s for the good of the club. You have to know how to put your ego aside. »
Bought by American businessman John Textor in December, OL are in ninth place in Ligue 1, far from the European places they covet. He could nevertheless find Europe via the Coupe de France, where he faces Grenoble on Tuesday.