Who Will Replace Houllier?

By: Inara | May 25th, 2007

The options aren’t as endless as one would hope. While there are quite a few interested parties, Aulas prefers someone who speaks French, or at least is familiar with French football.

So let’s go over the rumors that are at least somewhat plausible, shall we?

* According to Italian media, Didier Deschamps has resigned from Juventus and could take over the soon-to-be vacant Lyon post (thanks to Chris for the link). And supposedly, he’ll bring David Trezeguet along for the ride.

* Aulas has admitted to keeping tabs on Sochaux’s Alain Perrin, whom Lyon wanted years ago before they found Paul Le Guen.

* Now that Lille won’t even be in the UEFA Cup next season, Claude Puel and three of his star players could make their way to Lyon.

* Current Lyon assistant manager Remi Garde has often been tipped to eventually take on management responsibilities at Lyon. Perhaps now is the time?

* Jean Tigana, the man who took over from Raymond Domenech as Lyon manager over a decade ago, recently resigned from Besiktas and could be persuaded to return to his old club.

* Giovanni Trappattoni has admitted that coaching in Ligue 1 appeals to him and is supposedly in contact with Aulas.

* According to “inside” sources, Dumbo has also expressed his interest in the job.

* AND…just yesterday it turns out that Marcello Lippi has suddenly become the favorite to replace Houllier.

Perrin and Deschamps are most likely at this point, as Perrin has admitted wanting to work at Lyon while Deschamps seems to be on the outs at Juventus. But Dumbo might beat them to the job because he has big ears, and Aulas loves big ears (especially when on a trophy).

Here is a translation of Aulas’s interview after Houllier’s press conference. It’s interesting to read between the lines because Aulas rarely if ever says what he means. You can also check out the original (in French) here.

Category: Jean-Michel Aulas, People, Team News and Rumors, Transfers

Tags: Alain Perrin, Claude Puel, Didier Deschamps, Gerard Houllier, Giovanni Trappatoni, Jean Tigana, Jean-Michel Aulas, Marcello Lippi, People, Remi Garde, Team News and Rumors, Transfers

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• Chris |  May 25th, 2007 at 8:50 pm

  
  
  

  I still think it’s Deschamps. I’d rule out Trappattoni unless Lyon are willing to come close to that absurd Salzburg contract (4.6 per). Puel would be a solid choice, but Lille really lucked out with some really talented youngsters and great signings(i.e. Keita). Perrin I don’t know much about honestly. As for Lippi, with his motivational skills and Lyon having the talent to steamroll anyone in France, if he ends up in France they really should go undefeated. But I think he’s Juve bound, Juve likes to recycle their coaches. I’d also find it hard for him to take his first job back in France after the hero status he earned in Germany.

  All in all, it’s really hard to screw up coaching Lyon with that roster.

  I know any French national is going to be linked to Lyon at some point in their career, but I was really getting excited about the Bodmer to Roma rumors. If he winds up at Lyon I’m going to be very very unhappy with you.

  Posted from United States

  

• Laurie |  May 25th, 2007 at 8:58 pm

  
  
  

  I would guess Deschamps as well.

  And I’ve been impressed by how publicly supportive he’s been of Trezeguet through everything in the past few months. To me it speaks highly of his ability to support players, which goes a long way to making them happy and making them want to stay, right? Maybe Lyon could use that right now?

  I really can’t see Lippi in France for any reason after World Cup. Too much leftover animosity. So I see DD heading to Lyon and Lippi heading to Juve.

  Posted from United States

  

• Sam |  May 25th, 2007 at 10:26 pm

  
  
  

  Puel Puel Puel Puel Puel Puel

  Posted from Canada

  

• Joffrey |  May 26th, 2007 at 1:09 am

  
  
  

  lol
  Nobody wants to believe in Sven Goran Erikson. I guess he’s maybe too old, Aulas said he want now a younger coach.
  But I still thinking that is a serious option.
  Because one of my friend have been working for Sven Goran 3 months ago (as french techaer !), when he was about to go to Marseille… That finally didn’t come, because Jack Kachkar didn’t buy Olympique de Marseille…
  So I’m pretty sure Eriksson has called Gerland when he learned Houillers’ departure !
  France is an interesting challenge for him.

  Posted from France

  

• Inara |  May 26th, 2007 at 6:22 am

  
  
  

  Apparently Lyon have contacted Perrin, but he is aware that there is strong competition for the job.

  Also, Juventus have denied that Deschamps left the club, but were quick to say that his presence wasn’t confirmed for next year either.

  I would love Puel, but Lille have a long term plan, and I think Puel is interested in that, and the fact that one of Lyon’s principal shareholders, Michael Seydoux, is rother to Lille’s president, Jerome, might mean that the club will try not to destabilize relations with the club as they did with Marseille and PSG.

  I would prefer Deschamps because he’s great at managing players – I think at least. He managed to keep Camo, Trez, and Buffon at Juve while everyone else left. And interestingly, DD has been following several OL players as potential targets, most notably Benzema, Ben Arfa, Malouda, Tiago, and Diarra. So perhaps these players would consider staying at Lyon if they knew DD was coming.

  The Lippi was probably hot air – though it sure sounded nice!

  Posted from United States

  

• Chris |  May 26th, 2007 at 12:40 pm

  
  
  

  I really really wish I had bet on this.

  Lippi is heading back to Juve. Cross him off that list..

  http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may26l.html

  And it’s coming from Sky, which is usually a very reliable source. Channel 4 is also typically a reliable source.

  Posted from United States

  

• Inara |  May 26th, 2007 at 1:38 pm

  
  
  

  The Juventus website confirms: DD resigns.

  I guess DD seems like the obvious choice now, but this whole Perrin thing is making me wonder. Though Sochaux will be in the UEFA Cup next year, so he does have that to look forward too. But Perrin has made no secret of wanting to manage Lyon whereas DD doesn’t really like Lyon.

  Posted from United States

  

• Joffrey |  May 28th, 2007 at 1:30 am

  
  
  

  That will be Alain Perrin. He is in Lyon today. Aulas is just waiting the official signature to notice it.

  Posted from France

  

• Corey |  May 29th, 2007 at 9:10 am

  
  
  

  Perrin is the new coach, Sochaux and Lyon just have to agree terms but Sochauxs president has okayed the move. Im not sure what this means for the players who want to move on, i hope it means they stay seeing as how their troubles were with Ged.

  Posted from United States

  

• Joffrey |  May 30th, 2007 at 2:21 am

  
  
  

  Aulas will present Perrin this afternoon (french hour), in press conference. He is the one

  Posted from France

  

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