Fonseca slams the door and leaves Lyon's bench vacant days before Anoeta trip

Fonseca admits he may leave Lyon for Sporting Portugal, just days before facing Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

Paulo Fonseca is on the verge of leaving Olympique Lyon to become Sporting Portugal's new manager, after the Lisbon club sacked Rui Borges. The 53-year-old coach, who has managed Lyon since early 2025, publicly acknowledged the possibility of his departure after the weekend league match, telling French media: "There is a possibility that I leave."

Fonseca's imminent exit comes at a critical moment for Lyon, just days before they travel to face Real Sociedad in the fourth round of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. Over nearly two years, Fonseca had built a competitive tactical project that positioned Lyon as one of the tournament's strongest sides. His departure leaves the club in total uncertainty about who will manage the team in San Sebastián, a situation Real Sociedad will look to exploit. Lyon awaits official confirmation of Fonseca's contract termination and his signing with Sporting.