The departure of Paulo Fonseca from Olympique Lyonnais opens a void which is already attracting attention. According to the Portuguese daily *ABola*, the Lyon club could see in Carlos Vicens, former coach of SCBraga and assistant to PepGuardiola at Manchester City, a serious candidate to succeed Fonseca, who is preparing to sign with Sporting de Portugal.
Vicens, aged 43, has solid international experience. He spent eight years at Manchester City, including four as Guardiola's assistant, which gave him an in-depth knowledge of modern football based on possession and pressure. After his time at City, he managed Braga, where he took the team to the semi-finals of the Europa League and finished fourth in the Portuguese league in the 2025–26 season. His contract ended on October 20, after a series of disappointing results, leaving him free of any contractual obligations.
Vicens' profile seems aligned with the expectations of Lyon's management, particularly with regard to the development of young talents. His tactical approach, inherited from Guardiola, could fit into the playing philosophy of Lyon, which seeks to consolidate its presence in Ligue1 and European competitions. Additionally, Vicens and Fonseca share an indirect link through the Gestifute agency, headed by JorgeMendes, fueling speculation about the behind-the-scenes succession.
Meanwhile, ThiagoMotta, also mentioned in discussions, remains a viable option for the position. However, Vicens' prospect, with his experience at Manchester City and his recent track record at Braga, gives the Lyon management an alternative that could surprise the coaching market.
Overall, Fonseca's departure opens a window of opportunity for OL. If Carlos Vicens were to join the club, he would bring a combination of tactical modernity and ability to work with youngsters, which could be a major asset for next season. However, the negotiations remain to be confirmed, and the club will have to evaluate the proposals of its multiple candidates before making a final decision.