While four French clubs secured progress to the knockout phase of the Champions League this week, another was busy firing a popular coach as Lyon parted company with Pierre Sage and lined up Paulo Fonseca as his replacement.
A complete unknown when he was appointed in November to take over a team languishing at the foot of the table, Sage revived Lyon's fortunes in dramatic fashion, taking them to European qualification and a French Cup final which they lost to Paris Saint-Germain. However, he has paid the price for a run of five games without a win this month which included a Cup exit on penalties against fifth-tier Bourgoin-Jallieu, with American owner John Textor showing no mercy.
Caretaker coach Jorge Maciel therefore oversaw Thursday's draw with Ludogorets of Bulgaria on Thursday that clinched their place in the last 16 of the Europa League.
Fonseca was watching in the stands, getting an idea of the task he faces in trying to lead Lyon to Champions League qualification, which the club urgently needs to ease their massive debts. Recently sacked by AC Milan, Fonseca only left Ligue 1 at the end of last season after impressing during two years in charge at Lille. The Portuguese therefore has greater pedigree than Sage, but the latter was a much respected figure among Lyon fans who have been perplexed by his sacking.
Yet Textor seems completely unconcerned by what certain supporters might think, and was seen on camera stopping for selfies with some members of the crowd on Thursday. Lyon's results have undoubtedly been affected by off-field issues, with the club being forced to sell players in the January transfer window to reduce the wage bill.
