Le Guen a tough act to follow

By Christian Châtelet

When Paul Le Guen announced yesterday that he would be leaving Olympique Lyonnais at the end of the season, the joyous scenes that followed OL's fourth successive title triumph on Sunday suddenly seemed very far away.

New heights
Le Guen, sacked by Stade Rennais FC in 2001, was not even first choice when Jacques Santini left to take charge of the French national team in 2002 - Lyon first turned to Vahid Halilhodzic and Didier Deschamps. Three years on, Lyon did everything to retain the coach who has made them the dominant force in France and hit new heights in Europe.

'Sad and emotional'
"I'm sad and emotional," president Jean-Michel Aulas said. "Paul Le Guen brought a lot to Lyon and the opposite is true too. But I totally accept this decision. It's in Paul's interest and maybe in Lyon's as well, according to Paul's theory on coaching cycles."

Outstanding record
In Le Guen's opinion, a coach ceases to be effective after three seasons with one club. That is the reason he gave for passing up the opportunity to try and help Lyon become the first French side to clinch five consecutive titles next season. Le Guen's record at the Stade Gerland is outstanding regardless. Under his command Lyon lost just 18 of 111 league matches, scored 177 goals and conceded only 88.

European progress
In the UEFA Champions League, Lyon have improved with every campaign. In his first year Lyon were eliminated at the group stage. Last term they lost in the quarter-finals to eventual winners FC Porto. This season, Lyon took PSV Eindhoven to a penalty shoot-out before the Dutch outfit claimed a semi-final place at their expense.

Lyon family
During Le Guen's three-year reign, Lyon have become Ligue 1's most powerful club, but also, viewed from the outside at least, the most serene. Le Guen created harmony within his squad and was rewarded with success on the pitch. The former French international and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup winner with Paris Saint-Germain FC, commanded respect and confidence, but also affection. After Lyon defeated AJ Ajaccio on Sunday to secure the championship, the players said they felt like a part of a family in the Lyon team.

Eye for talent
And it is very much Le Guen's side. The 41-year-old's eye for talent is exceptional. He has successfully signed and brought on little-known players with huge potential, yet also the mental strength to make the most of their ability. Michael Essien, recruited from SC Bastia in June 2003, and Mahamadou Diarra, who joined from SBV Vitesse last season, symbolise Le Guen's Lyon, a unit built on power and speed.

Future success
Both have progressed under Le Guen's tutelage, both are now in high demand across Europe. Anthony Réveillère, Florent Malouda, Eric Abidal and Cris too have all played key roles and Le Guen's legacy will continue to ensure success long after his departure.

'Trip abroad'
The coach, meanwhile, says he is ready for "a trip abroad". He is rightly considered one of the best of the new generation of French coaches, alongside Deschamps, who has been touted as a potential replacement. Whoever succeeds Le Guen has a tough act to follow.

'Paul double'
"A double of Paul would be perfect," said Aulas. "A man who has Champions League experience, is a former player and an ambitious coach. With Paul we created a Formula One car. The next driver won't choose his car, he'll just drive it."