Interim Maciel clarifies his future after Fonseca's departure at Lyon

Interim boss Maciel confirmed a new permanent manager will arrive at Lyon soon, likely during the international break, and he will return to his assistant role.

Jorge Maciel, who took temporary charge of Lyon after Paulo Fonseca's departure, has clarified his future at the club. Speaking ahead of Sunday's Ligue 1 match against Brest, Maciel confirmed that a new head coach will be appointed soon, probably during the upcoming international break, at which point he will step down and resume his role as assistant coach.

"My future is very clear," Maciel said in his Saturday press conference. "I spoke with Matthieu Louis-Jean (Lyon's sporting director): someone will arrive and I will have my role in the staff. I am very happy." Maciel, who joined Lyon in summer 2024 as Fonseca's assistant, added that he is content with the arrangement and looks forward to supporting the incoming manager while also spending time with his family.

Under Maciel's interim stewardship, Lyon drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday. According to reports, Spanish coach Carlos Vicens, a former Braga manager and Pep Guardiola disciple at Manchester City, is the leading candidate to become Lyon's next permanent head coach in the coming days.