Olympique Lyonnais Rebuild to Glory Days

Series: Reviving the Lion – Rebuilding Olympique Lyonnais in FM24

1st Series : Introduction

1.The Fallen Kings of France

“From Juninho’s screamers to Benzema’s brilliance—how did Lyon go from seven straight Ligue 1 titles to fighting mid-table mediocrity?”

The post-2010 era saw Lyon lose more than games. They lost direction.

Aulas, once the face of modern French football management, couldn’t prevent the growing disconnect between vision and execution. Overreliance on short-term fixes, late contract renewals, and lack of identity in recruitment dragged Lyon down. Talents like Ndombele, Aouar, and Memphis Depay either peaked too soon or departed without maximizing their value.

Enter John Textor, an American businessman with a grand vision but also heavy baggage. Lyon's financials are crippled by debt, with poor European finishes and decreasing domestic appeal weakening revenue streams.

In this FM24 rebuild, the plan is clear:

1. Youth Development: Double down on the academy. Lyon’s DNA must be reignited.

2.Smart Recruitment: Find undervalued gems and sell high when necessary.

3.Tactical Identity: Possession-based, fast transitions, and faith in young legs.

4.Financial Recovery: Sell wisely, avoid overpaying, and balance the books.

It’s not just about winning matches. It’s about fixing a broken ecosystem.

2.The Blueprint – What Went Wrong, and What We’ll Do Differently

The decline wasn’t instant—it was a slow burn. After years of financial missteps, over-reliance on player sales, and managerial turnover, Lyon lost the competitive edge. Aulas’ magic touch faded, and the club began losing top talents for nothing: Houssem Aouar, Memphis Depay, and Moussa Dembélé all left on free transfers. High-wage underperformers came in. Transfers lacked vision. The once-praised academy was underutilized.

Enter John Textor, the American businessman who took over in 2023. His first job? Stabilize a sinking ship that held €300 million in debt. But he has a tool—one that has always served OL well: the youth academy.

In this save, our plan is clear:

Restore the club’s identity by emphasizing young, homegrown talent

Rebuild financial stability through smart selling and wage control

Develop a tactical philosophy that complements Lyon’s traditional attacking identity

Return to Champions League football within three seasons

3.Squad Audit – The Good, The Bad, and The Loaned-Out

Lyon’s FM24 squad is a mix of promise and problems. Here’s a snapshot of key players:

The Foundation:

Moussa Niakhaté – A commanding center-back signed from Nottingham Forest for €31.9 million, expected to anchor Lyon's defense.

Ernest Nuamah – A dynamic 20-year-old right winger acquired from RWD Molenbeek for €28.5 million, bringing pace and creativity to the flanks. 

Georges Mikautadze – A prolific striker who returned to Lyon from FC Metz for €18.5 million, aiming to lead the attack with his goal-scoring prowess.

Abner Vinícius – A 24-year-old Brazilian left-back signed from Real Betis for €8 million, providing depth and competition on the left side of defense. 

Duje Ćaleta-Car – A Croatian center-back whose loan from Southampton was made permanent for €3.59 million, adding experience to the backline. 

Lucas Perri – A Brazilian goalkeeper brought in from Botafogo for €3.25 million, expected to compete for the starting spot between the posts. 

Thiago Almada – An Argentine attacking midfielder on loan from Botafogo, adding creativity and flair to the midfield.

Tanner Tessmann – An American midfielder signed for €6 million, bringing energy and versatility to the central midfield. Being loaned out to give sufficient playing time.

Warmed Omari – A central defender on loan from Rennes, providing additional options in defense.

Rémy Descamps – A goalkeeper acquired on a free transfer, expected to serve as a backup option.

The Concerns:

Inconsistent Defense: The backline lacks leadership and composure. Rebuilding starts here.

Goalkeeper Instability: Not a reliable long-term No.1 in sight.

Squad Balance: Too many average players on high wages who don’t fit the system.

We’ll clean house early—offloading players who don't fit the philosophy, reinvesting in young signings, and keeping key leaders to maintain team dynamics.

Immediate plan: trim the wage bill, bring in a reliable CB and GK, and promote hungry youth.

4.Tactical Renaissance – Redefining the Lyon Identity

We’re bringing back the Lyon DNA: attacking football built on technique, pace, and tactical discipline.

Formation: 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 DM Wide (depending on opposition).

From here we decided to stick to 4-2-3-1 to implement team cohesion among players in our squad.

Key Tactical Ideas:

Mentality 

Decide to use attacking since we want to engage opponents at their thirds.

In Possession 

Fairly narrow attacking width 

Play Out of Defence 

Slightly More Direct with Various Tempos Used, depends on oppositions

Hit Early Crosses and Shoot on Sight, to exploit zone 14 areas.

Play for Set Pieces

Run on Defence

In Transition

 Counter-press

Counter

Slow Pace Down

Out of Possession 

High Press

High line of engagement

Prevent short GK distribution

Get Stuck In

Drop Off More for conservatism to avoid counter-attacks (defence-first)

Trap Outside and Avoid More Crosses.

Team Roles:

Fofana usually used on the left to mimic Malouda-style drives (Interchanging roles between Winger (Attack) and Inside Forward (Attack)

Nuamah on the right as Winger (Attack) for direct attack

Cherki at no 10 spot to play on the middle of zone 14, as Attacking Midfielder (Support) to roam and provide support, also interchanging roles on Wingers sides when Almada playing at no 10 spot

Deep Lying Playmaker (Support) to pump long-balls from deep

Anchor (Defend) to protect the backline more

Full-backs on Support on the right and Wingback on Support on the left to provide final third additional support to wingers to cover wide areas

This setup allows fluid buildup while giving your brightest players space to shine. And most importantly, it gives the kids a clear structure to learn within.

5.Transfer Market Surgery – Smart Moves, No Panic Buys

Rules of the Rebuild:

No signing players over 26 unless they’re stopgap free agents. Useful for leadership guidance.

Sell at peak value; don’t wait.

Prioritize resale potential and mentality.

First and foremost, prioritize Lyon academy product-byline factory to save money. It's not only to rebuild their honor, but also rebuild their finances back 

Targets by Position:

CB: Look to Ligue 2 or Croatia/Belgium for cheap, physical defenders.

GK: A young, modern sweeper keeper.

DM : A solid defensive midfielder pairing which one would be protecting backlines and the other one to circulating the ball through the middle of the pitch and slashing balls to various directions to launch counter-attacks

RW/LW: Technical wingers with flair and stamina. Think Eredivisie or Scandinavian leagues.

Avoid the trap of overpriced Ligue 1 players. Think like Monaco under Jardim: cheap, young, talented, and fearless.

6. The Factory Reopens – Lyon’s Youth Revolution

Lyon’s academy produced Benzema, Gonalons, Umtiti, Tolisso, Fekir, and Aouar. It still has that magic.

Youth Development Goals:

Maximize Individual Training for technical growth

Improve Mentoring Units with senior pros

Give cup and league minutes to top talents

Use Affiliate Clubs for quality loans

Promote talents like Mohamed El Arouch, Skelly Alvero, or Yanis Benyahia and build around them. Remember, one wonderkid could fund the rebuild. Although Skelly Alvero has been sold at this time of standpoint.

Let's see how does it goes in the next series. See ya!

Series: Reviving the Lion – Rebuilding Olympique Lyonnais in FM24

2nd Series : 1st Half of 2023/2024 Season Performance

From previous series we do believe that we have mentioned earlier we'll be using 4-2-3-1 due to almost no pure center midfielder in our squad from our perspectives.

Which the 2 refers to pairing no 6s we use in our formations.

Although I'm not familiar much for 4-2-3-1 nor 4-3-3 due to previous failures to dominate, but somehow we have reached almost-jackpot achievements towards total domination and became all-time challenger to Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1

From friendlies in pre-season towards end of October 

In friendlies, there's nothing to be focused much as it is only for warmup and synchronization of formation for those players to blend into.

And from the beginning of the season only that the strides are there. From a few draws throughout September and a loss as well, seems that our players kinda jiggling on how to synchronize as I'm just mix and match as well as making frequent changes due to injuries happened. 

And on October, only that we do have a few wins and a minor gap which we lost to Monaco, for me it is normal here.

November 2023 - February 2024 : This is where the domination starts

And during November schedule turnarounds that all of the sudden we have consistent winning streak, although there's some minor gap on winning state here.

So far Athletic Club, Nantes, Qarabag FK, Lille, Reims, Strasbourg and Auxerre that makes our players some headache as they implement very compact low block to avoid from Cherki, Fofana, Almada and Nuamah to convert every golden chances to grab the winning opportunities early in those matches.

But somehow we easily crushed OGC Nice on back-to-back at the end of February which quite surprise there. Yeah ya know, Ratcliffe-empire-based club supposedly able to strengthen, however it's their thing to settle up, not us.

TRANSFER BUDGET ALREADY GIVEN

Since we did marvelously consistent, along with much improved financial standings, our board (especially Textor, need to give him credit tho!!) already agreed to give us £36.26m to manouvre our signings to improve more into our squad, as well as immersing our own academy products to strengthen our academy standings as well.

We actually have done offloading veteran players that didn't much play part in this season due to injuries + heavy-bloated wages, so we already have freed around £180k p/w for next season.

But also since January winter transfer window here also that we have sort out a few transfers that costs us £26m (£30m if included bonuses) and additional £200k p/w in terms of younger players than ongoing veteran players. Which for me, much more feasible for any future offload if we able to collect at least certain increment of profit to boost our incoming war transfer chest for future seasons. Who knows right?

Besides the youngsters, we do also pickup the main man under Michael Keane, aged 32 years. Maybe, somehow, some of the audience may question here, why did I sell out Tolisso and Clinton Mata and pickup Keane here? Is it that their leadership is not sufficient enough along the season?

It's not like that guys. Somehow I do understand those tricky questions unable to be answered straight away, as I actually also do go to Everton games (in this save only, not IRL) that Keane were exceptional on leading the backline considered as last man's standing (btw Everton stands at 13th in Premier League, which further proves my decision to be quite accurate here.

Take a look on how Keane performs well in the season.

Along 32 games played (22 starts, 11 from bench), he only lost in possession of 3.96 times per 90 minutes, 45.24 completed passes per 90 (consumes 89% passes completed overall), 3.81 progressive passes per 90, 5.73 headers won per 90, and 11.77 possession won per 90.

For me it's quite impressive when considered he's on the veteran age but still ample to produce quite impressive metrics as well as reflecting his leadership in the backline.

We'll continue to explain on the next series onwards.

See ya!!

Series: Reviving the Lion – Rebuilding Olympique Lyonnais in FM24

3rd Series : 2nd Half of 2023/2024 Season Performance

March 2024 - 11th May 2024 : Major domination continues

No issues at all, as we're dominating almost all of those matches including goal-winning penalty match against Paris Saint-Germain during Coupe de France Semi Final.

During last period here that I'm trying to blend along younger players that considered as fringe players such as Lilian Coponat (19-year old centerback who can also play as a 6), Jeremy Mounesse (19-year old centerback), Romain Perret (20-year old No 10, rotating with Almada and Cherki sometimes), Chaim El Djebali (20-year old No 10 who scored 5 goals alone), and Samuel Bossiwa (dominant left winger which produced more assist counts in right wing position rather than left wing dominant ones).

18th May 2024 : Title Decider Match 

During this date here, Lyon is on 2nd place with 83 points, while Paris Saint-Germain is on 1st place with 85 points.

2 point difference, 1 match left for both to decide who's gonna win the title

So on the last game of the season, I intend to change my dominant formation to a first-time change formation, from 4-2-3-1 to 4-2-4

Below would be how it goes on how we want to play under 4-2-4.

Focusing on wing play, very low and compact block, focusing more on counter attacks + adding another headbutt beside Mikautadze. Benefitting Cherki and Nuamah's pacy dribbling at both sides, while Tagliafico supporting Cherki at the back while Schoppner dropping back to add defensive solidity, Williams covering at the back of Nuamah just in case of facing PSG's counter-attack.

And the outcome??

We won 1-0, Lacazetter scoring the one and only goal early in the game, at 3rd minute.

38% possession compared to PSG's 62%

Such classy performance whereby we produce more shots on target (5 vs 2)  than PSG in this game, slightly more XG as well, more corners and fouls produced, lesser shots off-target.

So the randomly change formation is very satisfied just to topple PSG down from their title winning side by slight 1 point, at the last matchday of the season.

Bitter to swallow by PSG fans, players and manager itself, where their only loss is to us at the end of the matchday haha!!

Squad Analysis at the End of the Season

Throughout the season, Duje Caleta-Car has performed above my own expectations, playing 46 games in total (41 games started, 5 from bench), scoring 8 goals and 1 assists, mostly headers here during corner kicks.

Rayan Cherki would be the next one where he played 40 games (36 starts, 4 bench), contributing 26 goals contributions (11 goals, 15 assists)

Next one, our man of steel in between the goal posts, Lucas Perri. Although I do think that, for the sake of our focus of academy players to be implemented later on, but need to decide more closely as to avoid from being easily toppled down at the start of the season, even though I have brought in Maduka Okoye as his backup on cup matches as emergency cover.

Ernest Nuamah also played 43 matches (36 starts, 8 from bench), producing 28 goals contributions (14 goals, 14 assists)

Moussa Niakhate also would be a head-on for me to lead this season with 35 games played (although fewer games played during to his participation in African Cup of Nations during end of December - early February)

Next would be our own loanee itself, Thiago Almada, played 44 games (30 starts, 14 from bench) producing 35 goal contributions (26 goals, 9 assists)

Mikautadze (20 goal contributions, 15 goals 5 assists), Lacazette (fewer games played due to long-term injury, but still contributing 15 goal contributions, 12 goals 3 assists), Veretout (16 goals contributions with 10 goals and 6 assists from no 6 position), Fofana (6 goals 6 assists) and Abner Vinicius (2 goals 7 assists) also worth to mention here as well.

So there's 2 remaining fixtures here; facing Aston Villa on Europa League final, and USL Dunkerque at Coupe de France final

So after those fixtures ended, we'll try to configure how we can improve our team more before 2024/2025 season begins on this July further in the next series.

See ya!!

Series: Reviving the Lion – Rebuilding Olympique Lyonnais in FM24

4th Series : Europa League and Coupe de France Finale

So this is the result for Europa League Final, which is not much expected since I made the last-minute resort to decide on formation changes to create unexpected outcome, which came fruitful.

Clearly counter-attacking style that I already implemented in them. Low possession (39%), fairly high number of high intensity sprints, shots, shots on target and XGs.

But with a harsh strength and physical game that almost all our players got the yellow card here haha!

In Coupe de France final game, easy game for us to dominate in terms of shots, shots on target and XGs here.

And not long after we won Coupe de France final, something exciting happens.

Inzaghi been sacked by Inter Milan in-game, which suddenly opens up my mind to wandering around other top leagues.

It's not like I would like to leave Lyon so early in my career here. But who knows if the chances are there for me to take.

It's my only chance as well to keep improving my tactical to the new level, I hope so.

Series: Reviving the Lion – Rebuilding Olympique Lyonnais in FM24

5th Series : Split Series

In this short series here, I'll try to split off my career into two different pathways, which are

1) Staying with Lyon to continue rebuild

2) Applying for other career team to continue further adding my managerial career portfolio CV and experience to strengthen my reputation as well.

For those who want to stick for Lyon rebuild, can continue to read through this series.

For those who would want to know how I can replace Xabi Alonso (which unfortunately been the Inter Milan's board favorite to take over Inter Milan, while me, would take over from him, which we'll cover through the link here onwards :

https://sortitoutsi.net/content/71304/die-werkself-rebuild 

So those who want to see how I rebuild Die Werkself, can click the above link.

See ya!!

Series: Reviving the Lion – Rebuilding Olympique Lyonnais in FM24

6th Series : Revamp

Why do I need to revamp again all of this?

Because there's something irregular happen that trigger my guts and instincts.

Just take a long look on this friendly

All of the sudden the same set of players didn't manage even reach xG of 1.00 here. with fewer shots (4 v Spurs 14) and on targets (2 vs Spurs 8).

Also the possession made also quite unconvincing for me which we do only able keep the ball for 37% of the time.

I think it's time for us to depend on our Lyon academy products instead of outside players here.

Perhaps that's the only way we can rebuild again our identity for the incoming seasons here, although it may not be perfect or reaching the required expectations as expected.

Something to wonder when we tried to observe those lists of players available here

With already 50 players in our senior squad books here, I don't think it would be considered as healthy to have such massive amounts of players. There's some offloads are mandatorily to be done afterwards.

Let's see how it goes.

Series: Reviving the Lion – Rebuilding Olympique Lyonnais in FM24

7th Series : Offloading and Rebuild…Again.

Yes you read it right. REBUILD.

So far we have offloaded a total of 11 players, whenever it is permanent sale, or loan for developments or loans with obligation to buy the specific players.

🚨 Massive Transfer Updates! 🚨

⚡ Major Outgoings & Squad Shake-Up:

Jordan Veretout – Despite our best efforts, he's still here. No takers yet!

Said Benrahma – Initially planned for an exit to make way for young talents, but a change of heart. Could this season be his chance to shine and boost his value?

Georges Mikautadze – Nearly moved but failed at the last minute due to wage demands. What’s next for this talented player?

Johann Lepenant – Tough call! The 22-year-old’s future was uncertain, but a loan with an obligation to buy might just be the best move.

Brandon Williams & Ainsley Maitland-Niles – Two right-backs out the door! Yet, Sael Kumbedi and Timothée Pembele are here to stay. But was selling Maitland-Niles for 28.5m really the right choice? 💰

🔵 Incoming Stars & Key Signings:

Dominic Solanke – Snagged from Spurs for just 4.3m! An absolute bargain. Prepare for his explosive impact! 💥

Yacine Adli – Coming in from Milan for 4.4m to replace Jordan Veretout. Is he the midfielder we’ve been waiting for? 🔥

Masato Sasaki – With Lucas Perri injured in friendlies, we’ve secured Sasaki from Kashiwa Reysol for 5m as the perfect cover. 🚑

💥 Transfer Deadline Drama – We're still working on offloading Duje Caleta-Car to Bournemouth for 24.5m. Will the deal go through? Keep watching... 👀

Stay tuned as the transfer window continues to heat up and more shock moves may be on the horizon! 🕶🔥

____________________________________________________________________________

1. Wycombe vs Lyon (Friendly)

Result: Wycombe 1 - 4 Lyon

Lyon’s commanding 4-1 victory over Wycombe in a friendly was dominated by clinical finishing and effective changes. Early in the game, Malick Fofana's opening goal in the 14th minute set the tone for Lyon's attack. Moussa Niakhaté doubled Lyon’s lead in the 18th minute, showing the team's offensive capabilities. The real turning point, however, came after Lyon’s Nicolas Tagliafico and Cristian Shpendi sealed the game with goals in the 56th and 58th minutes respectively.

For Wycombe, Ryan Tafazolli's 48th-minute goal provided a brief moment of hope, but they could not break through Lyon's solid defense. Key to Lyon’s dominance was their ability to make important changes to the tactical setup, with substitutions maintaining their momentum.

____________________________________________________________________________

2. West Ham vs Lyon (Friendly)

Result: West Ham 1 - 2 Lyon

In this intense match, Dominic Solanke's impact was immediate. His introduction after halftime injected energy into Lyon’s attack, and just 10 minutes into the second half, he scored the decisive goal. This timely strike allowed Lyon to edge out West Ham 2-1. The match also saw Cristian Shpendi’s earlier goal in the 55th minute, keeping West Ham on their toes. West Ham managed to equalize through Niclas Füllkrug in the 63rd minute, but Lyon’s well-timed tactical adjustments, particularly the quick response from Solanke, ensured the victory.

The game was also marked by several yellow cards for both teams, but Lyon's defensive stability under pressure proved to be the difference. West Ham had more shots (19) but struggled to convert them, as Lyon capitalized on key moments.

____________________________________________________________________________

3. Lyon vs Ajax (Friendly)

Result: Lyon 1 - 1 Ajax

Against Ajax, Solanke's usual impact was muted, and Lyon's attack lacked fluidity. Despite having 40% possession, Lyon struggled to break through Ajax’s defense and failed to create clear-cut chances. Ajax controlled the ball well (60%) and defended solidly, making it difficult for Lyon to build cohesive offensive play. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, and Lyon’s inability to convert possession into meaningful chances was clear. Ajax's possession-based play had the upper hand, putting pressure on Lyon’s defensive organization.

____________________________________________________________________________

4. Osasuna vs Lyon (Friendly)

Result: Osasuna 1 - 2 Lyon

Lyon, once again, found success despite having only 38% possession. Solanke wasn’t directly involved in scoring, but his link-up play contributed to the team’s overall attacking fluidity. Osasuna controlled the ball well (62%) but couldn’t make their possession count. Lyon's tactical pressing and ability to capitalize on mistakes proved the difference as they secured a 2-1 win. The match demonstrated Lyon’s ability to play efficiently even with limited possession.

____________________________________________________________________________

5. PSG vs Lyon (Trophée des Champions)

Result: PSG 3 - 2 Lyon

In this high-profile clash, PSG’s clinical nature dominated Lyon. Despite Solanke's efforts and Lyon's defensive strength, PSG’s attackers, including Kolo Muani, were too much to handle. Lyon struggled against PSG's quick counters and fast transitions. With only 39% possession, Lyon failed to stop PSG’s relentless offensive play, and their defense couldn’t cope with the speed and movement. The game ended 3-2 in favor of PSG, showcasing Lyon’s defensive issues and highlighting their struggles when facing top-tier teams.

____________________________________________________________________________

6. Lyon vs Toulouse (Ligue 1)

Result: Lyon 3 - 0 Toulouse

This match was a much-needed confidence boost for Lyon. Solanke played a pivotal role, scoring two goals and displaying his clinical nature. Toulouse had 14 shots but only managed 5 on target, failing to challenge Lyon’s defense effectively. Lyon dominated possession (64%) and capitalized on Toulouse's mistakes, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory. This match showed Lyon at their best, with their pressing game and effective counter-attacking play leaving Toulouse with little room to operate.

____________________________________________________________________________

7. Lyon vs Bayern Munich (UEFA Super Cup)

Result: Lyon 2 - 1 Bayern Munich

Lyon showed excellent tactical discipline in this match, with Solanke contributing to their pressure against Bayern Munich. Despite Bayern dominating shots (21), Lyon made the most of their limited chances. Bayern’s high xG of 2.91 highlighted their attacking dominance, but missed opportunities, including Harry Kane’s missed penalty, kept Lyon in the game. Lyon’s defense held firm, and their efficient use of possession helped them secure a stunning 2-1 victory, exposing Bayern's lack of clinical finishing.

____________________________________________________________________________

In conclusion, Lyon's performance across these varied matches showcases both their strengths and areas for improvement. The clinical finishing of players like Solanke has been vital in securing key victories, especially in tight contests. However, the team's struggles against high-caliber teams like PSG and Bayern Munich, coupled with defensive lapses and issues with cohesion between attack and defense, expose the challenges Lyon will face moving forward. Their journey will hinge on their ability to maintain consistency, manage player fatigue, and continue to develop chemistry across the squad.

As Lyon navigates the rest of the season, fans and analysts alike can expect to see more moments of brilliance, particularly from Solanke and the attacking force. However, challenges in maintaining squad balance, especially during the congested fixture schedule, will be an ongoing concern. It’s clear that Lyon must continue to refine their defensive structure and foster greater cohesion between their offensive and defensive lines if they are to compete at the highest levels, both domestically and in European competitions.

What to expect in the next post:

In our upcoming post, we'll dive deeper into Lyon's tactical evolution as the season progresses. We'll explore how key players are adapting to new formations and strategies, and what impact potential squad rotations and tactical adjustments will have on their performance. Additionally, we will analyze Lyon's upcoming fixtures and discuss the possible outcomes based on their current form, squad depth, and the challenges posed by their opponents. Stay tuned as we continue to track Lyon’s quest for success!