It was anticipated in recent days, it is confirmed by L’Equipe: Juninho will make his return to Olympique Lyonnais, as advisor to owner John Textor.
He is back. Again. For the second time after his immense playing career, Juninho Pernambucano will return to Olympique Lyonnais as manager. According to L’Equipe, the Brazilian has agreed to become the advisor to the owner of the Rhone club, John Textor.
After serving as OL’s sporting director until his sudden departure in December 2021, Juninho did not want to return to France full-time. He will continue to reside in Brazil, in Rio, but it will not be completely remote work. L’Equipe specifies that the former free kick specialist should spend one week per month in Lyon. He could meet the public at Groupama Stadium on December 10 for the reception in Toulouse.
Textor’s choices
During his first stint as manager, Juninho had virtually full powers. In any case, this was the wish of Jean-Michel Aulas, who wanted to entrust the keys to the truck to the man who was undoubtedly the best player in the history of the club. This time, Juninho will only be a cog in an organizational chart completely modified by Textor.
Laurent Prud’homme will thus be the new CEO of OL and will start on Monday, while the ex-Marseillais David Friio will take on the role of sporting director, and he is even already at work, involved in the search for a future coach after the dismissal of Fabio Grosso. With Matthieu Louis-Jean in charge of recruitment, it is with this staff that Textor intends to save his ship OL, dead last in Ligue 1 with only one victory in 12 matches.
