"I was hoping the transfer window would close quickly, because we need to stay calm and focused on our work." Fonseca said this on Saturday following a 1-1 draw against HAC. Unfortunately, things did not go as he wished. In the final stages of the summer 2026 transfer window, Olympique Lyonnais became one of the focal points of the transfer market.

Players deemed surplus to requirements, such as Duje Caleta-Car (sent to Sassuolo), Mahamadou Diawara (loaned to Red Star FC), and Ainsley Maitland-Niles (joined Everton), departed the club one by one. Tagliafico came close to moves to Juventus and Atlético Madrid, but ultimately stayed. There was also the protracted transfer of Malick Fofana. The Belgian winger successively agreed deals with Sunderland and Crystal Palace, spending all of Tuesday moving between clubs. Encouraged by close teammates, he ultimately chose the Black Cats. Speaking to the media, Fonseca reflected on the departure of the left winger. Fofana was not initially on the summer sale list, nor after Afonso Moreira's departure, but following elimination from the Champions League, the club decided to sell him. He also summarized the entire summer transfer window. These words were conveyed by Olympique Lyonnais's official website: "I am very satisfied. We knew we had to sell players, and Malick Fofana was the most likely to leave. We worked very well and also brought in an excellent replacement for that position. As for Maitland-Niles, we also knew he might leave, and there are other players in the squad who can play in that position."

He continued: "The final day of the transfer window was difficult, particularly regarding Malick Fofana's situation. However, once on the pitch, none of this changes anything. The club needed to sell players. As a coach, I don't know all the details. Sometimes negotiations simply drag on for a long time. My job is to understand the club's needs. Most importantly, we anticipated this possibility beforehand, and at this stage, the club did excellent work. The transfer window is now closed, and the players know that we will now use this squad to achieve good results. The last few days were certainly not easy for them, but now we can return our full focus to the pitch. The team I have is very committed, training has been excellent, and everyone is focused on the next match."

The former Lille manager then spoke about the new signing, Keito Nakamura. Yesterday, he joined on loan with an option to buy from Reims. "They're different players. Malick Fofana is very strong in one-on-one situations and very quick. Keito Nakamura excels in decision-making in the final 30 meters and is more comfortable in combination play. He scored many goals for Reims last season. These two players have different styles, but Keito Nakamura is very effective. Our attacking intent won't change. However, the team's overall playing style needs to be adjusted. With Malick Fofana, we need to create one-on-one situations for him. Keito Nakamura tends more toward combination play and link-up, and the players need to be closer to each other."

The Japanese player will be absent from tomorrow's match at 7 p.m. against Auxerre. Duránville is also injured. However, Fonseca still has a squad he is satisfied with. "This team is more balanced than last season, and has more options. I also feel this team is stronger, both mentally and physically. We have recruited several players with strong character and mental quality, such as Bacher, Bistrup, Atakeme, and Budash. The biggest difference lies in this balance and the mental stability of the entire squad." He also spoke about integrating the new and young players.

"When new players arrive, we must consider their characteristics and place them in the most suitable position. This won't change our approach: we want to maintain the same team style, playing attacking football while also performing well defensively. As a coach, I must understand everyone's strengths and make some adjustments... I believe in all the players, especially the young ones. When it comes to young players, in our first match we fielded some young players, and considering the number of matches we will play, they will get more opportunities.

I have complete faith in them. I also noticed this week that we are one of the teams giving the most playing time to U21 players. However, experience remains important. Some matches are better suited for young players, while others require more experienced heads. As a coach, I must choose the right time. In matches like against Fenerbahçe, with that level of pressure, we also need to know how to protect them. They may be tactically ready, but mentally that's another matter." With several key departures during the summer transfer window, Olympique Lyonnais, now with a complete squad, is ready to face new challenges.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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