Grosso tackles major projects at OL

New OL coach, Fabio Grosso is aware of the mission that awaits him at Décines. Lyon’s problems are numerous and the Italian will have to find a solution.

Had he revised his argument carefully on Monday before presenting himself to the press? One thing is certain, Fabio Grosso prepared well his taking office at theOL and had to spend a few hours with his video analyst to dissect the Lyon problem. Or rather the problems, because in Décines, there are many construction sites. Chosen to take over from Laurent Blanc, the Italian knows that he is not arriving on conquered territory, at least on the ground. As he himself conceded, if “Everything was fine, I wouldn’t be there. So there was something that wasn’t working under Laurent Blanc.” The answer may seem vague but terribly true, even if the Cévenol is not responsible for all of OL’s ills.

The players have their share of responsibility and Clinton Women did not hide it on Sunday evening after the draw against Le Havre (0-0). “It’s always easier to blame the coach in football today. We also have to know how to take our responsibilities. We are also responsible for this situation, we are football players. We have our part there- inside.” With the Angolan, OL have got their hands on a sort of wise old man, aware of realities without making a louder noise than the other. However, the observation is there, there are numerous construction sites between Rhône and Saône.

Change the mindset and build a team

By admitting to being responsible, Women sends his teammates back to their duties. If things can be blamed on Blanc, the players are on the pitch to make the difference. Sunday against Le Havre, OL certainly packed the match in the second half, but this mainly resulted in attempts at individual exploits rather than real collective strength. Every man for himself has never won titles, even victories. By taking charge of OL, Fabio Grosso must succeed in uniting this group towards a common objective: first to redress the situation before believe in Europe. The Italian did not fail to emphasize this notion of collective on several occasions on Monday. “The collective is the most important thing. It makes the difference with each person’s characteristics. We must progress. You have to have confidence in everyone to do better.”

Without going so far as to be friends, as the generation was able to be Puydebois At the beginning of the 2000s, the people of Lyon must understand each other, appreciate each other and stand together. To those who like to proclaim their love of the coat of arms, they are the first guarantors and above all those who must set an example. Personal pride, as important as it is in the success of a team, must serve the collective above all.

Meritocracy must become central again

Could a bit of competition help push this Lyon collective to the top? Without necessarily criticizing everyone’s choices, there is a certain comfort in’OL, a certain habit which means that today no one is surprised anymore. For several months, the changes have been like remote control and even Jean-François I wanted was consolidated in this continuity. Mohamed El Arouch must now know the left half of the west side stand by heart. He is just one example, but the young Lyonnais still spent the second half warming up without coming on Sunday against Le Havre.

One knows he will never come home when another like Johann Lepenant to take a simple example is aware that he will have minutes even if he is not the starter. Competition must be one of Fabio’s crusades Grosso these next few weeks. There is nothing negative about it, on the contrary. It can create an emultion within the group. A change of coach is in any case conducive to showing off. “It’s a new start for everyone, Mata continued. The cards are redistributed so you have to be 100% and give yourself for the club, the coach will choose his team at the weekend.”

In the complex sports situation, Grosso will necessarily rely on the executives as Blanc did upon his arrival in October 20222. He must simply not fall into a systematic pattern, cutting himself off from the rest of the group. The Lyon bench is already far from being one of the most attractive in Europe, if he can feel a little concerned, it will not be a luxury. Fabio Grosso has in any case sent a message to this effect “with five changes and half a team that can change. The substitutes must be ready.” As a former trainer, Grosso has “this sensitivity to getting young people to play, to getting the best to play” for Nicholas Puydebois.

Impose a tactical and technical approach

Young people alone will not be the key to success and renewal in Lyon. But by observing an opening, they could push some “old guys” to do more, whether on the field or in their role. By pushing together, they will allow OL to raise their level. This is obviously the scenario where everything is beautiful, everything is rosy but there is nevertheless a feeling of urgency. Because one of the sites remains accountable. With two points, the Lyon club would be blocked if the season was stopped after five days. Far, very far from European ambitions.

This equation will unfortunately only be possible if the first two variables mentioned above come true. The offensive (3 goals in 6 matches) and defensive (10 goals conceded) projects are only the result of a unifying collective. “We will have to find automatisms. It is only through play that this happens, noted Puydebois in TKYDG. To force to play, to train with each other that they will create this socio-emotional bond and find each other with their eyes closed.”

This goes for both the front and the back where confidence is the key word. Welcomed with a certain sympathy, Fabio Grosso still riding on his past as a former member of the house. Despite everything, he will have to find the right equation to follow in this world of sharks. These are not the 12 labors of Hercules but the Lyon adventure will not be easy for Grosso.