Former Manchester City set-piece coach appointed manager of Europa League club

Carlos Vicens, former Manchester City assistant, appointed Lyon manager after Paulo Fonseca's departure to Sporting Lisbon.

Carlos Vicens has been appointed as Lyon's new manager, replacing Paulo Fonseca who left the club last week to join Sporting Lisbon. The 43-year-old Spaniard spent seven years at Manchester City, starting as a youth coach in 2017 before becoming Pep Guardiola's assistant and set-piece coach from 2021.

He won a historic treble with City, including the Champions League, two Premier League titles and the FA Cup, before departing last summer for his first top-flight managerial role with Portuguese side Braga. However, Vicens was sacked by Braga on October 20 after 76 matches with a record of 41 wins, 19 draws and 16 losses, leaving the club eighth in Liga Portugal.

Lyon's statement confirmed that Vicens' approach to the game, high standards and emphasis on player development aligned with the club's objectives. He will be joined by his backroom staff including Mario Enguidanos, Lander Iza Garcia, Jordi Lie Fernandez and Ramiro Marin.

Vicens takes training for the first time on Tuesday and will make his competitive debut on Saturday, November 21, against Lille. Lyon currently sit fifth in Ligue 1 and 13th in the Europa League League Phase standings.