Deschamps and OL history

Olympique Lyonnais has previously tried to recruit Didier Deschamps, as confirmed by the former France national team coach. The relationship between Deschamps and the Rhône-based club has been marked by mutual interest and several near-agreements that never materialized.

Past attempts and missed chances

Contacts between Deschamps and OL have come close to resulting in an agreement on multiple occasions, largely driven by former OL president Jean-Michel Aulas. Aulas approached Deschamps several times to take charge of the team, but the deals never finalized due to various reasons, including Deschamps' availability and Aulas' decisions.

Mutual respect remains

Despite these missed opportunities, there has been a strong sense of mutual respect between Deschamps and Aulas. This was demonstrated when Aulas praised Deschamps on X during Euro 2024, calling him the greatest manager in modern football, highlighting their ongoing professional relationship.

OL unlikely to pursue Deschamps now

Despite interest from some supporters and the historical connection, OL officials are unlikely to approach Deschamps this time. The main obstacle is financial: Deschamps' salary demands are beyond OL's current financial capabilities. The club could save money with the departure of Paulo Fonseca and the arrival of his successor.

New coach fits OL’s budget

Carlos Vicens, expected to take over from Fonseca, aligns with OL’s budgetary strategy. The Spanish coach is anticipated to earn around 100,000 euros per month, a figure significantly lower than what Deschamps would typically require. Meanwhile, Deschamps remains linked with high-profile roles, including potential positions at Manchester United and Juventus Turin.