Lyon fire Puel after trophy drought

21 June 2011 - 14:34
By Sapa-AP

Seven-time French champion Lyon has fired Claude Puel, ending the coach’s disappointing three-year tenure at the club.

Lyon coach Claude Puel organises his team during the Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Real Madrid and Lyon at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 16, 2011 in Madrid, Spain
Image: Denis Doyle Lyon coach Claude Puel organises his team during the Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Real Madrid and Lyon at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 16, 2011 in Madrid, Spain

 Lyon reached the Champions League semifinals for the first time in 2010 but hasn’t won a trophy since Puel took over from Alain Perrin, who led Lyon to the league and French Cup double in 2007-08.

   Lyon said Puel “is no longer the club’s coach from today.” 

  Lyon officials and Puel met in Paris under the supervision of the French league juridical commission last week but failed to settle their differences during a mediation session.

   Puel, who had a year left on his contract, reportedly received a  €4 million severance fee. He is likely to be replaced by former Arsenal and Lyon player Remi Garde.

   Garde currently heads Lyon’s academy.