Lyon set to announce World Cup winner as new manager following Blanc departure

Ligue 1 side Lyon are reportedly set to announce a new manager following the departure of ex-coach Laurent Blanc. 

The former Manchester United and Barcelona defender had suggested that Lyon needed to sack him to see an improvement in results and his wish was granted on Tuesday when he and the club parted ways following 11 months in charge. 

L’OL have sprung into action in search of a new manager, sounding out several interesting names including former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and former Italy international Gennaro Gattuso and have reportedly landed on a former teammate of the latter. 

According to a report from French news outlet L'Equipe, the former Ligue 1 champions, Lyon, have decided to employ 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Grosso. 

The crowning achievement of Grosso’s playing career came at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where he followed up a crucial semifinal goal against the hosts by scoring the winning penalty in the final against France. 

Since his retirement from active football, the former Inter and Juventus defender has managed the Old Lady’s primavera team, as well as Bari, Hellas Verona, Brescia, Sion, and Frosinone, with whom he claimed the 2022/23 Serie B title. 

Having played for Lyon for two years between 2007 and 2009, Grosso cuts a familiar figure for the Lyon faithful, and will be welcomed back to his old stomping ground with open arms when the deal is completed. 

The former Italy international will be tasked with turning around the fortune of the club after a recent slump that sees them bottom of Ligue 1 this season after finishing in a disappointing seventh place in the previous campaign.