Lyon: No Case for the Defence?

Lyon’s current run of form sees them without a win in their last five competitive fixtures.  Just a few weeks ago the side seemed the main contenders to Paris Saint-Germain’s seemingly insatiable march to the Ligue 1 title but things have changed dramatically in the space of a few fixtures.  One main strength of the team was the togetherness brought in by Remi Garde as he replaced Claude Puel at the helm.  Now, however, it seems that cracks are appearing.

Lyon’s search for competitive form has been an issue so far this season.  Finding form at the right time can make or break a side’s push for glory.  In the last three fixtures, Lyon have suffered defeats at the hands of teams they could and should be able to take three points from.  This form has witnessed Lyon not only dropping out of realistic title contention but looking dangerously close to slipping out of the race for European football altogether.

As Matthew Richards states in a previous article, a sense of realism around the club is needed as there is nothing embarrassing about a club like finishing in a respectable position in Ligue 1.  So far, owner Jean-Michel Aulas realises this.  The chairman of the board clearly understands that the club are unable to spend with the power they once had as they finance their new stadium in Décines-Charpieu.  Regardless, no-one in France is able to compete with the current spending muscle of Paris Saint-Germain.

In recent weeks, the togetherness of the squad has come under threat.  Some fans may point to the fact that the defence has not been co-operating with any cohesiveness as of late and has saw the side leak goals as a result.  A partnership of Dejan Lovren and Milan Bisevac should, on paper at least, appear a strong one.  Lovren’s aggressiveness in defence can be an asset when reigned in appropriately.  It has to be said that goalkeeper Remy Vercoutre has had a good season thusfar and young Samuel Umtiti’s wonderful strike against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League had Europe talking.

This week, Dejan Lovren has stated that he feels let down by the club.  With members of the backroom staff speaking out after some questionable performances, he was given some time to get his thoughts together.  He used this to let his feelings known to the media.  Speaking to Sportske Novosti, he said:

“Frankly, I am disappointed by the behaviour of some people at the club.  I understand that they are not happy with my recent performances, neither am I, but nobody has asked why this may be the case.  What really gets to me is the fact that nobody is encouraging me or helping me solve the problem.”

Lovren highlights a clear lack of communication at Lyon in saying that not everything is well at the Stade de Gerland.  It remains to be seen just how far this will be taken by Lyon as they face a tough end to the season in which their squad morale will be tested to the fullest.

Milan Bisevac, Lovren’s partner in defence, was given his marching orders on Sunday against Reims for dissent.  This forced him to release a statement apologising to the fans for what had occurred.  Jean-Michel Aulas was left seething by the incident insisting that the player had let down his club colleagues by engaging in a dialogue with the referee.

“What is unforgivable is to compromise the balance of the team and get sent off due to a lack of self-control.  Once a penalty has been given, it has been given…Milan must think about the consequences for the squad and the club.”

It is only recently that manager Remi Garde has himself come out to discuss his side’s performances.  Known as being a motivator having helped restore belief in the squad following Claude Puel’s reign at the club, Garde’s skills in this area may be severely tested as he seeks to restore some belief in the squad.  There are a number of younger players in the current squad who have increased their playing time this season but the experienced heads within the squad must guide their colleagues in the right direction.

As a minimum, Lyon should look for European football each season.  Aulas should push for the extra money European football brings as the new stadium is financed.  The title push this season was interesting while it lasted but the aim should now be to steal that third place back from local rivals St Etienne as this will give the side a platform to progress.  With such a young squad on paper, progression should be the Remi Garde’s aim each season.  After such a strong start to the season, Lyon’s realistic aims should be kept in check.

Jason Milligan – @J_746