Rise and fall of comeback kids

By Christian Châtelet

A hot and sunny Burgundy afternoon welcomed Gérard Houllier and Jacques Santini back to French football on Wednesday, and the pair shared much in common as Olympique Lyonnais and AJ Auxerre kicked off the new season with the Super Cup match at the Stade Abbé Deschamps.

Career paths
The careers of the two coaches have followed similar paths, and they were pleased to shake hands before the game, symbolically marking their return to Ligue 1 after spells in England, with contrasting success, at Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC.

Concerned expressions
Both have much to prove and both looked concerned. Houllier has a tough job to fill the shoes of Paul Le Guen, a former France midfielder who made his international debut under the 57-year-old in 1993. Lyon are chasing a record fifth consecutive title, but it has not been a smooth ride for Houllier, whose side had won just one pre-season friendly before the Super Cup. Santini, also coach of Les Bleus before joining Tottenham, was right to worry for his team who lacked a number of key players, notably departed striker Bonaventure Kalou.

Successful legacy
This season could prove tricky for both trainers as they look to build on the glorious legacies they have been entrusted with. "It took us years to build a Formula 1 car, we just need a driver, not to change the car," warned Lyon's demanding president Jean-Michel Aulas following the departure of Le Guen. No pressure then, Gérard.

Santini test
At Auxerre, the 53-year-old Santini follows in the imposing footsteps of the legendary Guy Roux, who lifted AJA from the amateur ranks in 1963 to the French and, nearly, European summit. Santini's task is not made easier by Roux remaining at the club to run the academy. Roux will also be working as a television consultant so Santini's every move is sure to be scrutinised.

Magicien Bourguignon
Santini's success could depend on how he copes with life in Roux's shadow. On Wednesday the 'Magicien Bourguignon' quietly took his seat in the stands three minutes before kick-off. He had studiously avoided the press all day to help ease the pressure on Santini. What must he have thought as he saw his - sorry - Jacques' team fade dramatically in the second half to crash to a 4-1 defeat? What was he thinking as the first boos cascaded down from the stands? Certainly that Santini needs time - and the two big signings Auxerre have promised him. Right now though, Auxerre fans are worried.

'I'm happy'
Houllier, in contrast, could relax. "Of course I'm happy," said Houllier, who led Paris Saint-Germain FC to the title in 1986. "But it's not my victory, it's the squad's. I'd like also to pay tribute to Paul Le Guen and Jacques Santini. Le Guen built that side and Santini was the first to bring the title to Lyon [in 2001/02]. This trophy is theirs, not just mine."

Carew hat-trick
Houllier forgot to mention that his new signing, John Carew, had scored a hat-trick. The Norwegian's exploits almost overshadowed the absence of Michael Essien, still filling the newspapers with talk of a move to Chelsea FC. After the match Aulas took Houllier over to the 200 or so Lyon followers. Houllier smiled and applauded their support, the first public exchange between coach and fans.

'Lyon is Lyon'
Santini had little to smile about. "There's nothing to say. Everything I had to say I said to my players. Lyon is Lyon, Auxerre is Auxerre. There is a difference." Chin up Jacquot! Better days are surely ahead.