Tolisso "disappointed" by Fonseca's departure, "but I can understand it"

Tolisso scored in Lyon's 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad, their first match under interim boss Maciel after Fonseca departed for Sporting CP.

Lyon drew 1-1 at Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday, their opening fixture without Paulo Fonseca, who left mid-season to take charge of Sporting CP in Portugal. Captain Corentin Tolisso equalised with a well-executed move after Lyon fell behind.

Tolisso expressed mixed emotions about Fonseca's departure. "It touched me personally. Paulo Fonseca is a coach I respected and still respect enormously. He did a lot of good for the club. He left, I was disappointed," Tolisso said. However, he acknowledged understanding the manager's decision: "But I can understand it, it's his club of the heart. He explained it to us. I can understand that. Now the institution is bigger than everything. He made his choice, we must move forward. We can't live in the past."

Despite the upheaval, Tolisso praised his team's response. "We showed character tonight and a lot of personality," he said. Jorge Maciel is in temporary charge while Lyon awaits the appointment of a permanent replacement. The club faces Brest on Sunday before the international break.