Speaking to RMC Sport last night, Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas explained the club’s decision not to take on Laurent Blanc for the managerial vacancy.
“Juninho took the final decision. Each one of us had our own opinions. Picking Blanc would have probably given us even more security. It would have been brilliant. I had a discussion with Blanc in Moscow during last summer’s World Cup. And in the lift we said, we would get together one day to see how we could work together. This time, it wasn’t possible, but that doesn’t mean it will never happen. Laurent (Blanc) has all my friendship, he is someone I really appreciate. The current context meant that we needed to be reactionary, to have certainty, we need to go to battle because we are ambitious and be back on the podium at the end of the calendar year. We want to continue the Champions’ League adventure. And it was maybe important not to make too many changes, part ways with too many people, in order to have a squad that functions well. I have absolute confidence in players, because I think we have a fantastically talented squad. Garcia performed (in interviews) very well and was able to have the belief of everyone who he auditioned in front of.”