Even on the other side of the Channel, the situation of Laurent Blanc challenges. While OL made an alarming start to the season in Ligue 1, with two defeats and a draw in three days, the French technician found himself at the center of criticism. Very worried about the situation of Les Gones, the English newspaper The Guardian did not hesitate on Tuesday to scratch the former coach of PSG, described as a “problem”, his lack of energy and his “sneaky air” being particularly finger pointing.
His shock statement after the debacle against Montpellier (1-4) – inviting his management to “change coach” – does not pass to the British tabloid which also insists on the downgrading of the Lyon club, “to its lowest level for thirty years.” The risk of playing for maintenance in the elite for 34 days even exists according to our English neighbors, especially if Blanc were to continue the adventure in the current slump in Lyon.
If “the President” keeps for the moment a better statistical record than his predecessor Peter Bosz (1.71 points per game against 1.67), the lack of style of play and “the absence of a creative plan” of his team worry across the Channel. His approach to Ligue 1, which he left more than six years ago at the same time as Paris, is considered outdated while the supposed competitors, Monaco, OM, Rennes or Lens have come up to speed of a physical and dynamic French football.
17th in Ligue 1 with only one small point on the clock, Les Gones will meet PSG at Groupama Stadium on Sunday evening. A shock that falls badly for the teammates of Corentin Tolisso, in search of victories and confidence. Laurent Blanc, for his part, knows he is already threatened and could take the door in the event of defeat against his former club, according to the team. For The Guardian, the John Textor version of OL is sailing on sight “without a rudder”. It remains to be seen whether the 1998 world champion will still stay (a little) on board the Lyon ship.
