Ligue 1: Carlos Vicens on the verge of succeeding Paulo Fonseca, negotiations are accelerating

Couldn't we see the end of the tunnel? Since the departure of the Portuguese technician to Sporting Portugal, the name of Carlos Vicens has been circulating persistently behind the scenes of the Rhone club. And this track is now taking a concrete turn. Thursday evening, after OL's draw at Real Sociedad (1-1) in the Europa League, journalist Olivier Tallaron announced on Canal+, based on information collected from Lyon management, that the former Braga coach would be the next strong man on the Gones bench. For the moment no officialization.

Final details to settle

Discussions continue behind the scenes. According to L'Équipe, Jorge Mendes, Carlos Vicens' agent, and Matthieu Louis-Jean, the Lyon sports director, are still negotiating the contours of the contract, in particular its duration.

Free since his dismissal by Braga on October 20, after a series of three consecutive defeats, the Spaniard already has solid experience. Former assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, he notably led the Portuguese club to fourth place in the championship and to the semi-finals of the Europa League during the 2025-2026 season.

Another point to decide is the composition of its future staff. Surrounded by seven collaborators in Braga, Vicens may have to review his plans. OL would consider four additional assistants alongside Jorge Maciel, current interim, who wishes to stay at the club.

An arrival on Monday?

In the meantime, it is still Jorge Maciel who ensures the transition. After scoring a draw in Spain this Thursday, he will lead the Lyonnais again on Sunday, when they travel to Brest in Ligue 1.

But his interim could come to an end. The November international break would offer Carlos Vicens the opportunity to get his bearings and meet his new squad from the start of next week.