ALL season long, it has been a comedy worthy of the famous Commedia dell’arte in Italy. Bruno Genesio started the campaign as the Lyon manager with a contract expiring in June 2019. Between August and today, there have been numerous rumours, stories, allegations.
One day Genesio is staying because he led his team to a superb win away at Manchester City in the Champions League (2-1). Another day, he is not staying because Lyon are terrible against small teams in Ligue 1 (Reims, Strasbourg, Toulouse). Then, he is definitely the right man for the job after a victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the league, inflicting the Champions' first loss of the season. After that, the doubts creep back in and his future is uncertain again.
The situation reached its climax at the start of April. Originally, Lyon were going to offer Genesio a new deal. The press conference is organised for after the French Cup semi-final at home against Rennes. In the days before the game, Jean-Michel Aulas, the club’s chairman, and Genesio have a few conversations. Aulas also meets with the board and some of the Lyon fans who don’t want Genesio to stay on. The decision is made: Genesio is staying.
How would you react if someone was linked with taking your job?
Lyon boss Bruno Genesio saw the funny side of rumours Jose Mourinho could be set to replace him at the French club pic.twitter.com/VqNTAD3oJ2
— Omnisport (@OmnisportNews) April 12, 2019
Then the first twist happens. Lyon are terrible on the night and lose to Rennes. Aulas is fuming, Genesio is devastated and looks gobsmacked. It is one of the most surreal press conference you will ever witness. Sat next to his president, Genesio listens to Aulas saying that the deal is off and that they will review the situation at the end of the season.
The next two matches are even worse than the Rennes one: l’OL lose at home against Dijon (3-1) and away at Nantes (2-1) in Ligue 1.
Then the second twist happens. Genesio has enough of the toxic atmosphere around him and the club. He has enough of the fans wanting him out. He looks battered after the loss at Nantes. So he announces that he will leave at the club at the end of the season anyway, even if Aulas wants him to stay.
Rarely has a manager been so divisive in a club. The debate is still going on as the season is reaching to an end. Is Genesio a fraud or is he actually a good manager? That’s one for another day. For now, it is back to square one now for Lyon in their managerial search.
The club is taking its time. José Mourinho is an appealing name for them although Aulas revealed recently in an interview in French media a few weeks ago that he didn’t think the Portuguese would work at l’OL. But things might have changed since. Mourinho is certainly interested in the job.
So is Marcelo Gallardo, the former Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain number 10, who is doing a great job as manager at River Plate where he won the Copa Libertadores in December. He has already had talks with Aulas. Laurent Blanc is also another very credible candidate. He has not managed since being sacked from Paris three years ago but Aulas is keen on him.
Newcastle and West Ham have been in contact with super agent Pini Zahavi with regards to the availability of Lyon manager Bruno Genesio. #nufc [RMC]
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) April 4, 2019
Another interesting name is Rafael Benitez. The Newcastle manager is out of contract in June and so far the Magpies have not opened negotiations for a new deal. He has started working with a French agent agency based in … Lyon! Other coaches like Christophe Galtier, currently at Lille, Patrick Vieira at Nice, are in the frame too.
And more could come forward. Lyon is a very attractive proposition for any manager in Europe. They have a wonderful academy, a great first team squad, wonderful facilities like their brand new stadium and wealthy investors. Aulas is a bit full on as chairman but he only wants the best for his club. And l’OL should finish third in Ligue 1 this season and qualify for the Champions League next season.
One thing for sure, Bruno Genesio won’t be on the bench or near the club next season after three and a half years. He has done a lot of good things and some not so good. Yet, he never won over the fans and never totally won over Aulas either.
Nevertheless, had his team beaten Rennes in the French Cup semi final, he would preparing for a clash with Paris in the final and planning for next season. Instead, the only thing he is planning right now is his holidays…
