Comments on: Lyon: The Retirement Community for Washed Up French Stars

By: Laurie

Laurie — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 23:54:04 +0000

Inara, just reading the title of that article made me burst out laughing. I’m getting these visions of our Sidney singing some sort of French version of “Baby Got Back.” Giggle.

By: Inara

Inara — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 23:19:46 +0000

Allez Lyonnais: Trezeguet wouldn't do well in a 4-3-3, but if Houllier does shift to a 4-4-2, it might work out better. However, contrary to public belief, the French league is the hardest to score in, so I don't know if coming to France to fix a career is a good idea for a striker, unless you're really down on your luck (like Baros was). Laurie: I've been wondering that myself, actually. Curse French media, they are so polite about not going into the private lives of the players!!! But I do know that Govou is known as a guy who likes clubbing and is fond of drinking. It caused serious issues between him and Paul Le Guen when Govou wasn't able to maintain the standard of fitness that Le Guen demanded. This battle might have been continued with Houllier, who is known to be a strict disciplinarian. Plus, in the family friendly environment that Lyon is (other than Nino and Sid, everyone else stays in on their Friday nights...how boring!), his wild ways probably aren't appreciated by the management or his fellow team members. I think you might enjoy this interview by him. Sam: Benzema and Fred compliment each other really well, and if there is a switch to a 4-4-2, I think they will become a goal keeper's worst nightmare. But Trez...not so scary anymore. Corey: I know Lyon is after Kaboul of Auxerre, and we have just signed Belhadj, another upcoming talent. So Lyon is keeping an eye out for the future. But who I really want is Ederson, over at Nice. That kid is talented, and I think he'll fit really well into Lyon's Brazilian style of play. I also know that Yoann Gouffran has been attracting his fair share of interest, but I read in a recent interview that he wants to join PSG, OM, or Arsenal. I guess he's not a Lyon fan, though that might change if he ever gets an offer. Though if I had to pick any Yoann, I want the Yoann over at AC Milan. He would be a very nice addition, too bad Milan will never sell him. But as Allez Lyonnais said, Lyon can't just be grooming players for tomorrow. You mentioned that Lyon needs a combination of both, experience and future hopes. I think Aulas is going to deliver for once after he saw that pilfering Ligue 1 is no longer enough.

By: Allez Lyonnais

Allez Lyonnais — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 22:49:04 +0000

That’s the thing, young players are for the FUTURE and thus they are not to be relied on as of yet. You have to understand that Lyon need to get their job done TODAY.

By: Corey

Corey — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 15:41:36 +0000

Sometimes I feel like having as many current or former French internationals is just not worth it. Getting up and coming French internationals is the way to go, and I have a few ideas. Obviously Nasri is fantastic, and if Ribery is gonna be linked to Lyon, Nasri should be. He plays on the right-ish, but he could play on the left too. Matuidi of Troyes is an impressive 19 year old central midfielder that is a U-21 and Troyes looks likely to be relegated so he could be bought on the cheap. Kaboul of Auxerre looks to be a commanding central defender like Cris and Cacapa, while Bourilloun and Faty of Rennes also look the part for a big club move at 23 and 21. Le Mans has several players that are ready for the big time in my opinion, and they are Coutaduer, a classy central midfielder in the mold of Tiago. Guilliame Loriot is an attacking midefielder that can play anywhere like Ben Arfa, and may be a good solution to the left side if Malouda is sold. Louvion is a central defender that can play as a right back, and he looks great at 20. All three are 20 I believe. Yohann Pele is establishing himself as a consistent goalkeeper, and if Vercoutre moves which I suggest because he is decent enough to play at other clubs. That being said, Lyon has Bouchard, Remy Riou and Hartock, all promising French goalkeepers, with Bouchard and Riou on loan and Riou earning strong reviews. Hartock is a giant, and is in the first team picture at 19. As for stirking options, its not a neccesity I believe but, Brian is knocking in the goals at Rennes. Compared to Henry, he is quick and skillful. A Target man may come in the form of Youan Gouffran or Kevin Gamiero, both plying thier trade in Ligue 2.

Aulaus wants to build the squad up for the Champions League, and that may require players like Trezeguet or Giuly. The players I have suggested are for the future, a combination of those and youth team players should be the backbone of the squad in the coming years, because that is what got Lyon started with their success. Smart buys like Essien and Diarra can be repeated, not dumb buys like Baros or Nilmar.

By: Sam

Sam — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 03:16:42 +0000

I. Do. Not. Want. Trezeguet. In. Lyon. In two years, Benzema and Fred may be the best duo in the world.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:52:26 +0000

“Sidney Govou, who plays well right up until the moment he touches the ball.”

Giggle. Yep, that about sums it up.

Speaking of our Sidney, do you have any word on what, exactly, his off-field party-animal misbehaviors were that had everybody so worked up?

By: Allez Lyonnais

Allez Lyonnais — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:32:57 +0000

I don’t think Trezeguet’s style of play suits our game very well. Moreover, he’s gonna have to find the net without a striking partner which he has grown accustomed to during his career.

Giuly, perhaps he might be a good fit.