Olympique Lyonnais have appointed former AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca as their new head coach on a 2 1/2-year contract, the Ligue 1 club announced on Friday. Lyon sacked Pierre Sage earlier this week but made it into the last 16 of the Europa League after a 1-1 home draw with Ludogorets in their final group-stage match on Thursday.

Olympique Lyon appointed Paulo Fonseca as their new manager, replacing Pierre Sage until June 30, 2027. "An experienced 51-year-old coach, Paulo Fonseca has built a solid reputation in Europe thanks to his numerous successes and demanding tactical approach," the French club said in a statement on Friday.

Olympique Lyonnais secured a direct spot for the Europa League last 16 despite a lacklustre 1-1 home draw against Ludogorets in the final round of league phase on Thursday. The result left the French side in sixth place with 15 points from eight games.

Former AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca was handed the reins at Ligue 1 side Lyon on Friday following the departure of Pierre Sage. Fonseca, who was sacked by AC Milan in late December, has experience of Ligue 1 after impressing during two years in charge at Lille but he faces a battle to win over the Lyon fans who had taken to Sage and were angry at his sacking.