Carlos Vicens Joins Olympique Lyonnais as Head Coach Until 2028

Carlos Vicens took charge at Olympique Lyonnais on Monday, arriving to replace Paulo Fonseca as head coach on a contract running through June 2028, RMC Sport reported.

The 43-year-old Spanish manager signed an agreement that includes an optional additional year tied directly to European qualification. RMC Sport reported that Vicens arrived during the international break following Fonseca’s departure to Sporting in Portugal.

Managing director Michael Gerlinger explained that the club moved quickly to secure Vicens after initial talks. Matthieu Louis-Jean, the club’s sporting director, worked alongside Gerlinger to finalize the appointment after evaluating candidates who fit the club’s tactical profile.

Vicens outlined clear targets for his new squad during his introductory press conference. RMC Sport reported that the manager intends to push for a top finish in the domestic league.

L’ambition est de terminer le plus haut possible en champoionnat et se qualifier pour la Ligue des champions, Vicens stated, according to RMC Sport. Ce doit être notre objectif.

Louis-Jean confirmed that the board shares those expectations. RMC Sport noted that club officials view European qualification as a budgetary necessity for the ongoing season.

Having spent four years working as an assistant under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Vicens emphasized an aggressive, front-foot style of play. RMC Sport reported that the incoming coach aims to implement a high-pressing system.

J’aime le foot offensif, les équipes qui pressent haut et qui jouent avec de la personnalité, Vicens said, as reported by RMC Sport. Gerlinger noted that Guardiola gave a strong recommendation of Vicens during discussions between the clubs.

On the defensive side, Vicens confirmed he will maintain a four-man backline despite deploying three central defenders during his previous stint at Braga, according to RMC Sport.

With domestic action paused for international fixtures, Vicens faces a compressed timeline to prepare his squad. RMC Sport reported that the manager intends to assess players daily upon their return from national team duty.

Lyon returns to competitive play with a Ligue 1 fixture against Lille, marking the first major test for the new technical staff.