OL's Fonseca may overhaul tactics in Europe after Betis setback
In the Europa League clash in Prague, Olympique Lyonnais under Paulo Fonseca faced a harsh reality after a disjointed display against Betis Séville that saw the side concede four goals and fail to supply its forwards, prompting the Portuguese coach to contemplate a radical tactical shift in Europe.
Since the restart, Fonseca has installed a clear philosophy: high pressing, compact lines and vertical play. These principles have defined Lyon’s training sessions and match preparations.
Against Betis Séville, almost nothing worked. Olympique Lyonnais became too open, struggled to clear the ball and never properly fed its attackers.
In Prague, the coach could therefore choose to secure before seducing. A reinforced midfield might restore balance and tighten the team’s shape.
D’après Le Progrès, Lyon could densify its midfield to better control the transitions of Sparta Prague. The possible absence of Pavel Sulc and the lack of rhythm from Mads Bidstrup complicate that option.
Fonseca could add a more defensive profile, bring the lines closer together and ask for less risk on the launch. Such a tweak would aim to limit exposure while maintaining a degree of intensity.
This adjustment would represent a break with the offensive principles worked during the preparation, but it would not necessarily be a permanent renouncement. It would simply prioritize stability over flair in the short term.
After conceding four goals and being dominated in every sector, the urgency is to find a reliable structure. The experience of Loïs Openda could provide additional depth without exposing the whole team.
The European Cup in August sometimes forces adaptation before a team can impose its identity. La decision rests on balancing risk. Fonseca must decide whether to maintain his pressing despite alarming signals or adopt a more prudent plan.
In Prague, a victory achieved with less panache would be far preferable to another demonstration of poorly mastered principles. Un change could be less spectacular than it appears, simply a choice to rebuild the foundations before the style. La focus will be on defensive solidity rather than flamboyant attack.