Sylvinho says Lyon not to blame for his brief spell

In a candid interview with Flashscore, former Barcelona winger Sylvinho reflected on his fleeting spell at Olympique Lyonnais, insisting the club itself was not responsible for the disappointment that saw him leave after just eleven matches.

Appointment and early promise

At 52, the Brazilian was handed the reins in summer 2019 after sporting director Juninho announced the dismissal of Bruno Génésio. Sylvinho, then a legend at the club, was chosen for his fresh ideas despite having never managed a senior side before.

The season began brightly, with Lyon thumping Monaco 3‑0 and then demolishing Angers 6‑0, suggesting the new coach might have found his footing.

Rapid decline and departure

However, the momentum stalled and the team suffered a 1‑0 defeat to AS Saint‑Étienne at Geoffroy‑Guichard on 7 October 2019, just nine league rounds into the campaign. The loss prompted the club to part ways with Sylvinho, ending his tenure after only eleven games. Speaking later, Sylvinho said he “did not impose his ideas of play” and that the results fell short of expectations, yet he does not hold the club accountable. He praised the organisation, describing Lyon as “excellent” with “very serious and extraordinary” staff, and added that “the club was not the worst experience of my life”. Reflecting, Sylvinho noted, “Time passes, and time is a beautiful thing.” Often we dislike the period we are going through, but today, as a coach, I understand that difficult moments also teach us something.”

His comments came shortly after being dismissed as Albania’s national team coach, a role from which he led the side to the Euro 2024 finals – their second appearance after 2016.