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Lyon call time on Puel's tenure as coach

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Olympique Lyonnais have brought a premature end to coach Claude Puel's reign after three seasons without a title for a side that had won seven in a row before his arrival.

Claude Puel in the dugout during last month's Ligue 1 meeting with Toulouse
Claude Puel in the dugout during last month's Ligue 1 meeting with Toulouse ©Getty Images

Olympique Lyonnais have parted company with coach Claude Puel after three seasons without a title.

"From this day, Claude Puel is not the coach of the club," the French side announced in a statement late last night. The 49-year-old joined Lyon from LOSC Lille Métropole in June 2008, replacing Alain Perrin at the helm of a side that had just captured their seventh successive Ligue 1 title and a maiden league and cup double.

Puel was unable to continue the roll, however, and Lyon ended third last season behind Olympique de Marseille and champions Lille. Under his guidance the Gones did achieve their best ever result in Europe, reaching the 2009/10 UEFA Champions League semi-finals where they were defeated by FC Bayern Mûnchen.

Whoever succeeds Puel, who had 12 months left on his contract, will kick off the 2011/12 UEFA Champions League campaign in August's play-off round.

© 1998-2024 UEFA. All rights reserved. Last updated: Tuesday, June 21, 2011

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