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Firmly established as one of Europe’s biggest clubs, Olympique Lyonnais are regulars when it comes to the Champions League knock-out rounds in the spring.
But their very presence in Europe’s elite competition is under serious threat, and with the risk there is the knock-on effect that les Gones could lose some of their most talented players in the summer.
Ten games remain of the Championnat campaign, yet OL are not to be found amongst France’s top three. Rudi Garcia’s enterprising and entertaining Lille side lead the way, followed by reigning champions Olympique de Marseille. The come upstarts Stade Rennais, who have shaken off last term’s gross underperformance by exceeding expectations by a similar margin this season.
Not until you reach fourth will you find Claude Puel’s Lyon, who are suffering the effects of a wretched start to the season that had them lying in the relegation zone at the beginning of October. OL are now only one point from the podium, but the manner in which their rivals are playing would suggest that they face a very real tussle for that vital third spot.
If there is no Champions League football at the Stade Gerland next season, that would mean Lyon would have to cut their cloth accordingly in the transfer market, but perhaps more crucially it would almost certainly mean the departure of some of their leading players. Here are some of those who could move on.
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Here Are The Players Lyon Will Lose If They Fail To Qualify For The Champions League