Vicens takes charge of Olympique Lyon with Guardiola's backing

Olympique Lyon presented on Tuesday the new coach, the Spaniard Carlos Vicens. His appointment was backed by the enthusiastic approval of Pep Guardiola, who praised him publicly.

Guardiola's Support

Former Sporting Braga coach, the 43‑year‑old filled the void left by Paulo Fonseca, who moved to Sporting Lisbon to return home and support the Leões. The new coach of the Rhodaniens was praised by Pep Guardiola, with whom he worked as an assistant at Manchester City for five years.

Olympique Lyon's general director, Michael Gerlinger, said at a press conference that he had contacted the Catalan coach, who has been without a club since the summer, to gather information.

Gerlinger said: «I spoke with Guardiola, who was very enthusiastic about Carlos». He added that the best decision was to let Paulo join his beloved club and that they hired Carlos. According to him, talking with Pep is a positive monologue, in which set‑pieces and mentality are discussed. Guardiola described Carlos as a brilliant person and advised him to move forward and talk with him. From there came the decision to propose and sign Vicens until 2028.