Recent reports suggest that Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon), a Ligue 1 club, is considering appointing Frank Lampard as their new manager. This consideration follows the mutual termination of the contract between Lyon and their previous manager, Laurent Blanc, especially after a disappointing start to the season, sitting at the bottom of the league after four games. Lyon’s recent 4-1 loss to PSG amplified the urgency to address the team’s performance. The fans, known as ultras, voiced their concern and passion for the club, urging the players to uphold the club’s legacy and honor the team’s jersey.
Graham Potter, the former head coach of Chelsea, was initially approached as a potential successor to Blanc but declined the offer after discussions with Lyon owner John Textor. Instead, Lyon turned their attention to Frank Lampard, who has been out of a managerial role since the end of the 2022/23 season. Lampard faced challenges during his tenure at Everton and Chelsea, but he had previously led Chelsea to a top-four finish and the FA Cup final in his first full season as manager.
Frank Lampard’s managerial journey began with Derby County in 2018/19, followed by a notable period as Chelsea’s manager. He has also been linked to managerial positions at Crystal Palace in the past due to his strong reputation. Notably, Textor, who co-owns Crystal Palace, holds Lampard in high regard.
However, Lampard is not the sole contender for the Lyon managerial position. Gennaro Gattuso, a former Milan player, is also on Lyon’s radar. Gattuso, previously the manager of Valencia, had a tumultuous management career, experiencing managerial changes and uncertainties. Despite his turbulent journey, Gattuso remains an attractive option for Lyon.