OL Lyonnes: A New Dawn in Women’s Football

A Legacy of Success

OL Lyonnes, the rebranded form of Olympique Lyonnais, has etched itself into the annals of women’s football history. With an impressive tally of eight UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) titles, 18 French Première Ligue championships, and 10 Coupe de France Féminine trophies, this club is a titan of the sport. Their track record not only underscores their dominance but also highlights their ambitions as they seek to reclaim a top position in European football after a pause since their last UWCL win in 2022.

The club’s recent transition into the hands of American billionaire Michele Kang, who has also taken reins of the Washington Spirit and London City Lionesses, marks a pivotal moment in their history. Under her stewardship since 2023, Lyonnes has undergone a rebranding, aimed at refreshing its image and ambitions both on and off the pitch.

Squad Evolution: A Blend of Experience and Youth

The squad has seen significant changes, with legendary players like Eugénie Le Sommer and Dzsenifer Marozsan moving on to new challenges. In their stead, Lyonnes has recruited a dynamic cohort of young talent, including Jule Brand and Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who signal a shift towards a fresher, more exuberant playing style. This regeneration reflects a broader trend in women’s football, where youth is being prioritized to capitalize on the speed and creativity of emerging players.

At the helm of this ambitious project is Jonathan Giraldez, formerly of Barcelona, whose managerial prowess includes a remarkable record of trophy wins in Spain. His approach represents a significant shift in tactics as he aims to instill a possession-heavy style reminiscent of his previous successes.

Tactical Considerations: Giraldez’s Vision

Under Giraldez, OL Lyonnes has predominantly adopted a 4-1-4-1 formation, aligning with the Barcelona philosophy of maintaining ball possession and territorial control. The team’s build-up play often transitions into a 2-3-5 structure, with midfielders making advanced runs to pull opposition defenses apart. This attacking framework, led by the prolific Ada Hegerberg—still the record holder for most goals scored in UWCL history—promises a plethora of opportunities in the final third.

However, while they appear dangerous on paper, Lyonnes must fine-tune various aspects of their tactical execution. In initial league matches, the team displayed a dominant possession of 68% and 79%, but frequently struggled in translating that superiority into clear chances. A notable example from their opening league game showcased their shooting efficiency, where 14 out of 14 shots taken originated inside the penalty area, suggesting a reliance on close-range opportunities rather than a diverse attacking arsenal.

The Midfield Conundrum

One of the pressing issues Giraldez faces is the midfield dynamic. While the squad possesses raw talent, they currently lack a central figure capable of dictating the tempo of play. Lily Yohannes, an 18-year-old sensation, plays the critical role of deepest midfielder but is often isolated, which leaves her vulnerable to being marked out of the game. As a result, progression through the midfield is frequently compromised, with full-backs such as Selma Bacha and Ashley Lawrence shouldering the majority of the ball progression responsibilities.

The urgency for a consistent ball controller becomes evident when observing the difficulty Lyonnes faces against teams deploying a low block. With aggressive wide play becoming a hallmark, they have created numerous crossing opportunities, yet these have often yielded low-quality shots, as evidenced by their recent game against Saint-Etienne, where 45 crosses led to just five shots on target.

Defensive Structural Challenges

Defensively, OL Lyonnes has yet to find its footing this season, with only two clean sheets across six matches. The system relies on a high press and effective recovery pace, mirroring the principles introduced during Giraldez’s time at Barcelona. However, the implementation appears uncoordinated, resulting in large gaps for opponents to exploit.

Playing in a 4-2-4 structure places an immense burden on midfielders to cover lateral spaces, which has proven problematic, as seen against teams such as Marseille and Bayern Munich. This has led to sporadic defensive lapses and highlighted a need for greater cohesion and communication among unit members.

Looking Ahead: Potential and Challenges

As the season progresses, OL Lyonnes’ upcoming matches against fierce rivals such as Paris Saint-Germain and their opening UWCL match against defending champions Arsenal will offer significant insight into the squad’s capabilities. While their tactical setup and individual brilliance suggest potential for success, addressing the identified structural deficiencies will be crucial for the club to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of women’s football.

With a blend of emerging talent, seasoned players transitioning to new roles, and a high-profile managerial team, OL Lyonnes stands at an exciting crossroads. They are not just looking to dominate the domestic front but are eyeing a return to prominence in European competition, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling season ahead.