Lyon confirm Paulo Fonseca departure as he takes charge of Sporting Lisbon

Olympique Lyon have confirmed that Paulo Fonseca has left his position as head coach to become manager of Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon.

Fonseca informed Lyon’s board of his wish to depart after receiving interest in recent days from a club with which he has a particular connection. The French club said the decision was unexpected and expressed its regret, especially because it came midway through the season.

Lyon said continuing the relationship was no longer in the club’s best interests because it could not guarantee the full commitment required for the project to succeed.

“With the coach having clearly expressed this desire, the management believes that continuing the collaboration is no longer in the club’s interests,” Lyon said in a statement.

The club added that, at such an important stage of the campaign, every member of the team needed to be fully focused and prepared to meet Lyon’s objectives.

Lyon thanked Fonseca for his dedication, commitment and work since joining the club, and wished him every success in the next stage of his professional career.

The club said it had already begun the process of finding a successor who can continue its sporting project while adhering to the principles and standards established over recent months.

Until a new manager is appointed, Jorge Maciel will take charge of the team until the next international break.

Maciel’s first match will be Lyon’s Europa League meeting with Real Sociedad on Thursday. He will then oversee the team’s trip to face Stade Brest on Sunday.

Sporting Lisbon will pay Lyon compensation of 5 million euros for ending Fonseca’s contract before its scheduled expiry.