OffsAIde
·28 September 2026
OL Lyonnes target homegrown edge as Jonatan Giráldez drives Academy-senior link

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Yahoo sportsOffsAIde
·28 September 2026

Facing fiercer, sometimes better-funded European rivals, OL Lyonnes are doubling down on homegrown development, strengthening ties between the Academy and the senior side with Jonatan Giráldez central to that push.
According to Le Progres, the Rhône club views this pathway as essential to stay near the summit, with team leaders moulded by the club.
Fine words at a coach’s unveiling can fade once the season bites. The relentless demands of leading a hungry Lyon side, used to contesting every possible match and taking most trophies, often temper early pledges rather than expose bad faith.
General manager Vincent Ponsot insists he has never known a coach comparable to Giráldez when it comes to acting as a bridge between the Academy and the professional set-up.
His verdict comes after an extended first year for the coach. The focus now is on strengthening the bridge between youth and the senior side.
Source: Le Progres
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