Paulo Fonseca says Lyon squad now more balanced after window | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca believes Lyon’s squad is now better balanced after the transfer window, with Auxerre visiting on Friday at 19:00.

According to Le Progres, the Lyon coach reviewed the final moves a day and a half after the window shut and before Auxerre, saying he is satisfied with his options.

Six days after the 1-1 draw with Le Havre, Lyon return home to face Auxerre without two summer recruits. Julien Duranville is back in training and working apart, as is the Japanese Keito Nakamura, signed as a joker from Reims and not yet eligible.

Fonseca contrasted Nakamura’s profile with Malick Fofana’s, noting Fofana thrives in duels, pace and runs in behind. He said Nakamura offers greater end product, can combine and cross, and has scored frequently in recent seasons, adding Lyon’s attacking intent will not change.

Asked about Pavel Sulc, who stayed this summer, he said Sulc could be used with Openda. Sulc is not a natural number nine, can play inside and across the front, and could also be paired with Fofana, which may lead to shapes other than 4-3-3 and not always inverted wingers.

He concluded that every position has been strengthened, giving Lyon more solutions. He said the team is mentally and physically stronger after adding players with personality such as Zach Athekame, Felix Bacher, Mads Bidstrup and Kaïl Boudache.

Source: Le Progres

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”