Olympique Lyonnais, once a dominant force in French football during the early 2000s, is currently facing a challenging period. After a reign marked by seven consecutive championship titles between 2002 and 2008, the club seems to be struggling, currently placed in a concerning 14th position in Ligue 1. The recent 5-1 defeat to Montpellier has exacerbated the crisis, with only one victory in their last 11 matches.
Star striker Alexandre Lacazette, who had an impressive start to the season, acknowledges the crisis engulfing the club. In an interview with L’Equipe, Lacazette identifies doubt as a significant factor contributing to the team’s struggles. He believes that after their elimination against Real Sociedad, confidence eroded, and players began to think individually rather than collectively.
Lacazette points out changes in team dynamics, including increased discussions and altered behaviors, indicating a lack of the cohesive spirit seen in successful teams. He emphasizes the need to revive the passion for winning and the aversion to defeat, qualities he feels have been missing in the locker room.
While acknowledging the team’s shortcomings, Lacazette urges caution against prematurely writing off the club. He draws parallels with other teams that overcame difficult starts by rallying together mentally and collectively. Despite the challenges, he expresses confidence that Lyon will bounce back after this challenging period.
The upcoming days are deemed crucial for Lyon’s future, both in domestic competitions and the European Cup. The current predicament mirrors the challenging start of the 2010-2011 season, where Lyon eventually finished on the podium. Recapturing that level of performance poses a delicate task, especially given the evolving dynamics of a squad with fewer experienced leaders.
