Olympique Lyon have appointed Fabio Grosso as their new manager, following the dismissal of Laurent Blanc on September 11, 2023.
Grosso has signed a deal with the French outfit, which will see him manage the club at least until June 30, 2024
Confirming the appointment of Fabio Grosso, Olympique Lyon put out a statement on their website that reads:
“Olympique Lyonnais is very pleased to announce the appointment of Fabio Grosso as head coach of the professional team as of Monday, September 18.”
Les Gones also revealed that the contract of Grosso could be extended for an extra season.
Lyon added: “The former Italian international defender, World Champion in 2006, has signed until June 30, 2024, with the possibility of extending his contract for an additional season.”
Fabio Grosso last managed Frosinone, coaching the Lazio-based club between 2021 and 2023.
Grosso led Frosinone to the Serie B title
Grosso guided Frosinone to the Serie A, after winning the 2022/23 Serie B title before his contract expired at the end of the season.
The 45-year-old has also managed several clubs in Europe, including; Sion, Brescia, Hellas Verona, and Bari.
Laurent Blanc spent 11 months and 2 days as manager of Olympique Lyon before he was fired due to a dismal start to the 2023/24 season.
The Frenchman failed to pick up any victory, after four games this season, losing to Strasbourg, Montpellier, and Paris Saint Germain.
Before their last encounter against PSG, they also drew 0-0 with OGC Nice, and that has seen them go bottom of the Ligue 1 table.
Fabio Grosso is a former player of Olympique Lyon, having played for the club between 2007 and 2009.
When he signed for the club on July 1, 2007, from Inter Milan, for a fee of €8.7 million, he became the first Italian player to represent the club.
In like manner, the 2006 World Cup-winning defender has also become the first Italian manager of Olympique Lyon.
He made 78 appearances for the club, scoring 2 goals and providing 5 assists across all competitions.
Olympique Lyon new manager, Fabio Grosso
Fans of the 7-time Ligue 1 champions will be hoping that Grosso can guide the season back to winning ways.
He won the 2007/08 Ligue 1 title with Olympique Lyon, and supporters are hoping that he can galvanize the club to success.
Meanwhile, Lyon return to league action on Sunday, September 17, 2023, with an encounter against Le Havre.
Fabio Grosso’s side will be eyeing a chance at winning their first game of the season, against a team placed 7 positions above them.
Grosso wouldn’t take charge of the game, but he would be at the Groupama Stadium, supporting the club.
Olympique Lyon wrote: “Fabio Grosso will attend the match against Le Havre this Sunday evening at Groupama Stadium, before being presented to the media on Monday, September 18.”
