It appears that Jean-Michel Aulas, the president of Lyon, addressed the team’s situation and potential player departures in a press conference after their victory against Troyes. Here are excerpts from his interview with AFP:
“I’m not sure that headcount equals effectiveness. As I said, my point is not only economic but also deals with balance. When you have two current internationals to play center forward and they both want to play in this position, unless you play in 4-4-2 like this evening (Saturday), which is intelligent on the part of Rémi Garde because he thus satisfied both, we must try to think of those who are behind. We also have two or three young players of very good quality at center forward. If on the one hand we have too many experienced players and we don’t play young people, we will also have criticism. Football is a school of humility where you must constantly demonstrate imagination and reflection. Sometimes, it’s not by losing a player that you become weaker. It’s by trying to find the psychological and relational balances that are important in a group.”
“You will have to ask Lisandro about his intentions, who had expressed a desire to stay in Lyon for the long term. I sincerely hope that he will want to stay because there are some great things to do and I feel like this is going to be a good year.”
“All players can be called upon or leave by January 31 as long as the selling club, the buying club, and the player are all in agreement. We are attentive to opportunities but we also want to have the most operational and balanced group possible.”
These statements reflect Aulas’s emphasis on maintaining a balanced squad and considering both experienced players and younger talents. The mention of Lisandro Lopez’s potential departure and the club’s openness to opportunities suggests a pragmatic approach to player transfers and squad management. The January transfer window allows for adjustments, and clubs often navigate various factors to ensure the optimal composition of their teams.
