Le Guen stalls on Lyon deal

By Matthew Spiro

Olympique Lyonnais are 14 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and striving to reach the last four of the UEFA Champions League for the first time, yet much of the talk prior to tonight's quarter-final second leg against PSV Eindhoven focused on the future of coach Paul Le Guen.

Contract talks
He may be guiding Lyon through the most successful period in their history, but the 41-year-old is out of contract in June and continues to stall over signing an extension, prompting speculation that he could leave the Stade Gerland in the summer.

'A non-event'
Club president Jean-Michel Aulas was at a loss to explain Le Guen's stance last week, saying he had tried everything to get him to sign - including getting down on his knees to beg him. Aulas has since attempted to switch the focus back to the team. "For me it's a non-event when you consider the club's performances," he said. "We shouldn't even talk about it anymore."

Consistent season
The uncertainty does not seem to be affecting the players, who have taken Lyon to verge of a fourth successive French title. The 1-1 draw at home against PSV in the first leg was a rare blip in a remarkably consistent season, but they travelled to the Philips stadium confident of progressing. "It's a disappointing outcome but we've shown all season that we're capable of getting good results away in Europe," said captain Claudio Caçapa.

Caçapa support
When quizzed on Le Guen's position during the pre-match press confidence, Caçapa was even able to joke on the subject. "I don't understand the question," the Brazilian claimed, before glancing nervously at his coach. "Of course I'm hoping that Paul stays," he added. "All the players feel the same." Le Guen, meanwhile, was remaining ominously quiet. "Our result against PSV will not affect my decision," was his only comment.

Dominant force
The former France midfield player has enjoyed remarkable success since taking charge in 2002, winning two league titles and guiding the club to the Champions League quarter-finals this season and last. Lyon are now the dominant force in France and Aulas was adamant that his young coach would not leave to join another French side. "If he's thinking about leaving it must mean that either Manchester United [FC], Real Madrid [CF] or Juventus [FC] have contacted him," Aulas said.

PSG rumours
The French press have linked Le Guen with Paris Saint-Germain FC, where he enjoyed seven successful seasons as a player in the 1990s, but it seems more likely that he will take a break from football should he leave Lyon.

Rennes experience
Le Guen has had a pragmatic outlook to his coaching career ever since being sacked by Stade Rennais FC in 2001, three years into a five-year contract. Rennes' results under Le Guen were their best in 35 years, and the former AS Brest player had settled in Brittany and was preparing for a long stay. He was deeply affected by the decision and, on arriving at Lyon, said that he regarded "two to three years" as the maximum period that a coach should spend at the same club.

'It's fantastic'
However, Le Guen could not have envisaged becoming so popular at Lyon that three years later, players and fans are putting together a petition to try to keep him. "It's rare to see that kind of thing these days, but I think it's fantastic," Aulas said. Whether it will be enough to persuade Le Guen to stay remains to be seen.