Carlos Vicens appointed Lyon head coach after Paulo Fonseca departure

Olympique Lyonnais have appointed Carlos Vicens as their new head coach, replacing Paulo Fonseca on a contract running until June 2028.

The 43-year-old Spaniard previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola and spent four years as Manchester City’s set-piece coach from 2021.

Vicens joins Lyon after a spell in charge of Portuguese club Sporting Braga. He guided them to fourth place in the league last season and also took them to the final of the Portuguese League Cup.

However, he was dismissed by Braga in October last year following a run of poor results that left the club eighth in the table.

Lyon are currently fifth in the French league with 17 points, five behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain. They are also 13th in the Europa League, having collected seven points from their opening four matches.

Fonseca has left Lyon to take charge of Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon.

Vicens began his coaching career in Spain before moving into Guardiola’s Manchester City staff. His role with the Premier League club focused on set pieces, an area he oversaw from 2021 until his departure after four years.

His appointment represents Lyon’s latest change in the dugout after Fonseca’s exit. The Portuguese manager’s move to Sporting Lisbon brings an end to his time with the French club, who remain involved in both domestic and European competition.

The new Lyon head coach will remain in the position until June 2028 under the terms of his deal.