Lyon spoke with Guardiola to sign Vicens: "It was all a monologue"

Lyon's new manager Vicens, who worked under Guardiola at Manchester City, aims to secure Champions League qualification and maintain the club's attacking style.

Carlos Vicens took charge of Lyon on Tuesday, conducting his first training session before addressing the media. The Spanish manager outlined his ambition to guide the club back to the Champions League while competing seriously in the Coupe de France and Europa League.

Vicens, who previously managed Braga for 18 months, spoke about his experience working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Lyon's technical director Michael Gerliger revealed he consulted Guardiola before finalizing Vicens's appointment. "When you talk to Guardiola it's mostly a monologue," Gerliger said, "but it was very positive.

He told me how they worked together, especially on set pieces, and said Carlos is a good person and advised me to move forward with negotiations."

Vicens acknowledged the challenge of joining mid-season following Paolo Fonseca's departure to Sporting Portugal, but committed to maintaining Lyon's style. Though he used a three-defender system at Braga, he confirmed he will adapt to Lyon's four-at-the-back philosophy.