Lyon chief confirms player departures after Champions League exit

Lyon will have to part ways with some of their players following the disappointing ending to the 2019/20 season, says Juninho.

Bayern Munich indeed proved to be a force too overpowering to keep at bay but Olympique Lyon’s defeat last night was perhaps a result of their own blunders.

The French side missed an early opportunity to take the lead as Memphis Depay, after a blatant mistake from Thiago Alcantara, sprinted past the Bayern defense only to shoot wide.

In the 17th minute, they scrambled yet another clear-cut chance to go in front when Karl Toko Ekambi, after dribbling past two defenders, struck the post from close-range.

A number of Lyon players have been linked with a move away. Moussa Dembele is reportedly a target for Manchester United, Houssem Aouar is said rumored to be wanted by Manchester City and Arsenal, and Depay is said to be on the wishlist of Borussia Dortmund.

And now that their season has ended in misery, sporting director Juninho admits that those players could be on their way out this summer.

“There will be departures, but I am not worried. When you have players who play very well in a competition like this, like Moussa and Houssem,” Juninho told RMC Sport.

“We will have to show the same spirit to be back in the Champions League next season.

“The aim now is to continue working, immediately with Ligue 1. There are no presents. We will have to work. When you are well paid, you need motivation every day, we are going to concentrate on Ligue 1.”