Fournier 'excited' by Lyon challenge
Friday, May 23, 2014
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Hubert Fournier has left Stade de Reims to take the Olympique Lyonnais post vacated earlier this month by Rémi Garde, saying: "I'm really looking forward to starting."
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Former Olympique Lyonnais defender Hubert Fournier has been named as Rémi Garde's successor at the Ligue 1 outfit after stepping down as coach of Stade de Reims.
The 46-year-old has signed a contract covering the next two seasons, returning to the club where he made 58 top-flight appearances between 1997 and 2000. "I'm excited to be here," he said. "I'd like to thank the president [Jean-Michel Aulas] for the challenge ahead. I'm really looking forward to starting, even if a few days off won't hurt.
"The goal is European qualification, in line with what Lyon have done in the past. It would be nice to win a trophy as well, a cup, and to battle for the top spots."
Fournier began his coaching career at US Boulogne in 2004, taking the Reims job in 2010. Under his guidance, Les Rouge et Blanc rose from the third tier to Ligue 1, finishing 14th and 11th respectively in the past two campaigns. Lyon, who came fifth last term, will feature in 2014/15 UEFA Europa League qualifying.
