In a shocking turn of events, the Lyon team bus was attacked by fans last weekend, injuring coach Fabio Grosso and leading to the cancellation of the match against Marseille. This incident is the latest in a series of setbacks for Lyon, which has had a challenging season and is currently the only team in the French league without a win.
Impact of the Attack
The attack on the team bus left Grosso with a deep cut above his left eye, requiring stitches and a month-long recovery period.
The incident has forced the players to regroup and refocus their minds quickly as they prepare for the home game against Metz on Sunday. The team needs to recover from this trauma and turn around its poor performance to avoid relegation at the end of the season.
Safety Concerns
Following the attack, Lyon’s director of football, Vincent Ponsot, has expressed concerns about the safety of the team’s players. Ponsot stated that the safety requirements to play in Marseille are not met and has called for the game to be played on neutral ground.
Additionally, some Lyon supporters were seen making Nazi salutes and monkey gestures during the trip, leading to an investigation by the French league’s disciplinary commission.
Financial and Management Struggles
Lyon’s struggles on the field have been mirrored by difficulties off the field. Financially, the club has faced net losses in 2020, 2021, and 2022, following a period of net profits from 2016 to 2019.
Jean-Michel Aulas, the former owner who was instrumental in turning Lyon into one of the richest clubs in the world, sold the club to American businessman John Textor last year. However, the relationship between Aulas and Textor has since deteriorated, leading to public spats.
Lyon’s Quest for Glory
The attack on the team bus and the team’s poor performance on the field are just the latest challenges facing Lyon. With the prospect of relegation looming, the team must quickly regroup and turn around its fortunes.
The club’s history of success, including seven straight league titles from 2002 to 2008, highlights the magnitude of the current crisis. However, with a storied past and the potential for a brighter future, Lyon has the tools to overcome these obstacles and return to the top of French football.