Banners expressing frustration and urgency were raised at Lyon’s training ground on Thursday morning, just days after back-to-back disappointments for the club.
The fallout from a 2-1 loss to Saint-Étienne in Ligue 1 and a dramatic 5-4 extra-time defeat to Manchester United in Europe left supporters demanding a strong reaction with just four matches left in the season.
The message, boldly unfurled in front of the players, was unambiguous: “From pride to shame. You have 4 matches left to finish on the podium.”
Speaking at a press conference shortly afterward, defender Moussa Niakhaté acknowledged the display without hesitation, stating that the fans’ message reflected the team’s own disappointment.
“They said it all,” he admitted. “We gave them something to believe in after a terrible start to the season. But the last two matches those are not performances that reflect the standard of a club like Lyon. The word ‘shame’ is not misplaced. That’s the truth.”
Lyon’s campaign has been one of sharp contrasts, and Niakhaté did not shy away from describing the emotional rollercoaster that players have experienced along the way.
“It felt like we lived four different lives this season,” he added. “It’s been that intense. From where we started to where we are now, we’ve fought back, but recent games were unacceptable. We let something slip, and the fans are right to remind us of that.”
Niakhaté also emphasised the clarity the situation now demands, with Champions League qualification still within reach.
“We’ve talked about it among ourselves. It’s simple now – four finals. That’s how we see it. Win the next four and we’re in the Champions League.
We’ve believed all along that we’re capable. And this banner, it shows the fans believe too – that they’re still with us, that they’re expecting more.”
Three of Lyon’s remaining matches will be played at home, starting with Saturday’s clash against Rennes at the Groupama Stadium.
The defender underlined the importance of the club’s supporters in pushing the team across the finish line.
“We’ll need them. We’re back in our stadium this weekend and we know what’s at stake. Everyone must bring everything they have – players, coaches, supporters.
That’s how we reach the top again.”
The mood around the club remains tense, but focused. After a resurgence in the middle of the season pulled Lyon back into European contention, the recent setbacks have served as a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift. With four games left, the pressure is mounting, but the goal remains firmly within grasp.
Lyon’s season, once on the verge of collapse, now hangs on the team’s ability to respond to its fans’ call and deliver when it matters most.
🔥 Niakhaté d’accord avec la banderole des supporters : “Ils ont tout dit (…) “Honte”, c’est normal. les deux scénarios ne sont pas acceptables quand on joue pour l’OL.” pic.twitter.com/TS5PBw0ISQ
— RMC Sport (@RMCsport) April 24, 2025
