Fonseca to depart Lyon as club searches for replacement

The latest report from France says Olympique Lyonnais manager Paulo Fonseca has announced his departure from the Rhône-based club to his players on Monday.

 RMC Sport reported that Jorge Maciel, his assistant, will take charge on an interim basis for the Europa League match against Real Sociedad next Thursday. 

It is still unknown whether he will take his place on the bench on Sunday for the away match at Brest, depending on whether a new head coach is appointed before the winter break.

Among the frontrunners is Carlos Vicens, the former SC Braga manager and Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.

The Portuguese tactician joined Lyon in January 2025, and his current deal expires next June.

He is leaving to join Sporting CP, the club he supports, which parted ways with its manager Rui Borges on Sunday. 

This is not surprising, as Fonseca himself admitted after Les Gones’ 2-0 victory over Angers SCO that there was a “possibility” he might leave the club in the coming days.

Since he still has a contract with Lyon, the Portuguese club is expected to pay the Ligue 1 club compensation.

Meanwhile, Lyon seems to have accepted his request to facilitate the move, whilst his departure also allows the Ligue 1 club to remove a big salary from their payroll.

Because Fonseca has met objectives since succeeding Pierre Sage as manager of OL, the club has not stood in his way. 

Interestingly, Sage,  who is currently under huge pressure at Crystal Palace, is also being linked to the role.

According to reports, a section of fans has called for Sage’s return; however, L’équipe understands Lyon has not contacted him. 

With talks reportedly advanced with Vicens, as revealed by A Bola, they could sign him.

As the search for his successor begins, it is currently unclear who will be on the touchline when Lyon face Real Sociedad on Thursday. Still, it is highly unlikely to be Fonseca, whose appointment as Rui Borges’ successor is expected at the start of the week.