Inevitably, we do not close a page of history of 36 years as we spread our letters to Scrabble, to paraphrase a famous singer. The eviction of Jean-Michel Aulas from his position as CEO of Olympique Lyonnais was logically invited to the press conference given this Friday by Laurent Blanc and Dejan Lovren, before the trip Sunday to Clermont.

"Not too comfortable to talk about it", the coach of the 7th of Ligue 1 did not hide that the event had "an impact" in the dressing room. "How can it be measured? We don't really know. It's a story that ends with an important character, it's not measurable, "said the technician.

'Sad', Lovren speaks of a lack of respect

Dejan Lovren let his heart speak more. "It's a shame and I'm sad because Jean-Michel Aulas helped me a lot and he did a lot for the club during his 36 years as president, including the seven [France league] titles, the best years for him and OL. That was not respected. »

The center back, returned this winter after a first stint from 2010 to 2013, said he "learned the news in the newspapers", after the incredible success Sunday against Montpellier (5-4). Intrigued by the absence of the ubiquitous "JMA" after the victory, Lovren assured: "I didn't believe he was gone." Now that he has digested the information, the third of the last World Cup looks to an "exciting" future with John Textor, whom he met Friday morning with other OL tauliers, Alexandre Lacazette, Corentin Tolisso, Anthony Lopes and Maxence Caqueret.



For his part, Rennes coach Bruno Genesio, Lyon at heart, also deplored the departure of Aulas: "It is the reflection of our society today, he commented to the press. We no longer necessarily respect what has been done. We consume, we throw away. It's regrettable, even more so for someone who has contributed a lot to Lyon but also to French football and French sport in general."

No doubt Aulas will console himself with these testimonies of support, as well as with the 24 million euros in compensation he must receive.

  • Football
  • Sport
  • Olympique Lyonnais (OL)
  • Jean-Michel Aulas
  • Laurent Blanc
  • Dejan lovren
  • Bruno Genesio
  • Lyon
  • Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
  • Rhône-Alpes
  • Ligue 1