On Sunday, Lyon will try to climb onto the podium. The Gones do not have their fate in their hands and are more likely heading towards fourth place. A ranking less appealing even though Walid Acherchour envies the Lyonnais regardless.
An evening with several tens of millions of euros at stake. Ligue 1 will deliver its final verdict, especially in the race for the podium. Lille, Lyon, and Rennes are competing for the last tickets to the Champions League. Lille has the upper hand for the directly qualifying third place. On the other hand, OL occupies the very uncomfortable fourth position. Without a misstep from Lille against Auxerre, the Gones will be condemned to play two preliminary rounds next season. Making the upcoming transfer market more complicated.
A fourth place to appreciate for OL
Without guaranteed Champions League next season, Lyon will not be able to plan ahead and will not be free in their recruitment. Sportingly, OL will have to advance their preseason preparation and return. This is all the more frustrating with a World Cup just before. Many Rhodanian supporters are not happy with this ranking and some would almost prefer to finish fifth to avoid a difficult season. Walid Acherchour disagrees. On ‘l’After Foot’, he clearly stated that the fourth place would be positive for the Gones considering the financial difficulties encountered a year before.
“The reality is that tonight you still have a chance to go for third place and fourth place. Go tell that to Monaco or Marseille, they would be very happy to be in that position. Especially with the financial means invested. Your season is take it or leave it with Arthur! You finish with the last two cases 500,000 euros or 50,000. Yes if you finish with 50,000, you may be a bit upset but when you start the game you can’t expect it. You will still be happy on Monday or Tuesday”, he shared with a listener on RMC.
OL can take inspiration from Lille, survivors of those famous preliminary rounds two years ago. Bruno Genesio’s Dogues had managed a good Champions League run and a solid season in the league.
