Lyon coach Pierre Sage has been fired despite leading the French league club out of a crisis last season and having the team within reach of a Champions League place in this campaign. His dismissal on Tuesday followed a 1-1 draw with Nantes in Ligue 1 over the weekend and left many observers baffled.

Lyon owner and president John Textor has confirmed to AFP the imminent appointment of Paulo Fonseca as head coach. The Portuguese manager is expected to put pen to paper over a two-and-a-half-year

Former AC Milan boss Paulo Fonseca will take over as coach of Ligue 1 side Lyon, the French club's owner told AFP on Tuesday. "Barring the unexpected, yes, Paulo is going to be our next coach," said Lyon owner John Textor.