There are many versions of Memphis. There is rapper Memphis and there is fashionista Memphis. Fernando Marçal once claimed there is even a pastor Memphis. Crucially, there also exists footballer Memphis – the most contentious version – or versions – of them all.
Cover: @Memphis on Twitter
Continue reading “Dr Memphis and Mr Depay: The Two Faces of Lyon’s Dutchman”
Lyon currently sits third in Ligue 1, just one point ahead of Saint-Étienne. That point could be the bare minimum to stay ahead of the local rivals as Lyon is behind in goal difference. The culprit: Lyon has the tenth-worst defense in Ligue 1. Paradoxically, Anthony Lopes is nominated to win the UNFP Best Goalkeeper award, and he would be a deserving winner.
Cover: L’Équipe
Continue reading “Award-Deserving Anthony Lopes (And the Defense He Has to Thank for It)”
It made for a pitiful sight. On Saturday afternoon, Bruno Genesio presented himself at a press conference to announce his decision – no longer Jean-Michel Aulas’ decision, but his – that the 2018/2019 season would be his last at the helm of Olympique Lyonnais.
Genesio was all alone; there was no Jean-Michel Aulas, who had had his back for years on end. Against Dijon and Nantes, it seemed even the players were no longer behind their coach anymore.
As for the supporters, many had abandoned him long ago, and with good reason. Lyon had the second-highest operating budget in Ligue 1 at €285M, but you would not know it by watching them play. On Saturday evening, they found themselves in third place deservedly behind Lille.
Genesio’s press conference brought to an end a will-they-or-won’t-they saga surrounding his future at the club. It was a drawn out story, unworthy of a club of Lyon’s stature – a tale that, much like Genesio’s own tenure, should have ended far earlier than it did.
Continue reading “Bruno Genesio: Anatomy of a Crash-and-Burn”
Champions League football is back in town. Almost ten years to the day since Lyon last welcomed Barcelona, the two meet again for the Round of 16. This time round, there will be no Juninho-esque saving grace, but 11 lions nonetheless.
Cover: Marc Atkins
Wednesday-night football is back, but not accompanied by a dramatic hymn. Instead, the race for the podium resumes as Lyon welcomes Rennes for the 16th Ligue 1 matchday.
This time, there won’t be just 11 Lyonnais on the pitch at the Groupama Stadium. A Rennes side in turmoil visits from the North with a slew of ex-Lyon players like White Walkers trying to reclaim their old home.
Wednesday, December 5th, 2018
Parc OL, Lyon
1 PM EST (19:00 CET, 18:00 UST)
Lyon Offside 