Lyon missed out on Champions League qualification once again but enjoyed a stronger season as they finished fourth in Ligue 1 and were a genuine factor in the title race for a long period. Ultimately, though, it was not to be as the same old fallibilities when seemingly well placed haunted them in the closing weeks of the season.
Indeed, Lyon will reflect on the 2-0 lead they had over Lille at home, which was a match they subsequently lost 3-2, and also on the final day against Nice, when they led 2-1 at home only to lose by the same scoreline, as missed opportunities. Had they won those six points, they would have tied with PSG – but the margins went against them once more.
This was a team that was built around Memphis Depay, who contributed 20 goals and 12 assists to the cause, although sporting director Juninho was not impressed with the Dutchman’s dominance of the team. Indeed, there was a simmering feud between Juninho and head coach Rudi Garcia throughout the season over team matters, though it was only made public after the latter departed at the end of his deal.
Having reached the Champions League semi-finals in August, Lyon, like PSG, started the season slowly, with just a single win in their first six games. Without European football as a distraction, though, they were able to bounce back more impressively, aided by Memphis but also Tino Kadewere, who started the season well, and Karl Toko Ekambi as they offered a dangerous attacking threat.
If Houssem Aouar had a disappointing campaign in midfield, this was more than made up for by the contribution of Lucas Paqueta, who was particularly good after Christmas, which promises much for the future. Meanwhile, Bruno Guimaraes was again bright and Maxence Caqueret was impressive late in the season.
Defensively, there are still doubts over Lyon, who have a tendency to defend well for long periods only to give away cheap goals. Goalkeeper Anthony Lopes is particularly prone to rushes of blood to the head, which can make up for the good work he does at other times. It is an issue that likely cost Lyon a top-three spot and arguably cost them the title.
A new era will come at Parc OL next season, with Peter Bosz put in charge. There are doubts over Juninho’s competence as a sporting director, which have come increasingly into focus following the spat linked with Garcia’s departure.
