Lyon smarting from PSV sting

By Matthew Spiro

It is a measure of how far Olympique Lyonnais have come in the last 12 months that the overriding feeling after their UEFA Champions League quarter-final exit was one of frustration.

Cruel elimination
The French champions have produced some of the most exciting football in this season's competition and there was a quiet confidence within the camp that they would give AC Milan a serious test in the semi-finals should they get there. Whether that would have been the case or not will never be known following last week's cruel elimination by PSV Eindhoven.

'Great chances'
After taking the lead in both legs, Lyon ultimately had to settle for two 1-1 draws before losing the penalty shoot-out 4-2. "It's the biggest disappointment of my managerial career," said Lyon coach Paul Le Guen. "When you look at our performances this season it's infuriating to go out at this stage and in this way. We had some great chances to progress and that's why we're so frustrated."

Needed to improve
When Le Guen's side were knocked out by eventual winners FC Porto at the same stage last season, Lyon were very much second best and the general feeling was that they needed to improve before they could even hope to conquer Europe. The arrivals of defenders Cris and Eric Abidal and the experienced forward Sylvain Wiltord last summer, helped them move up a level and instilled fresh confidence in the team.

Aulas optimistic
Ambitious president Jean-Michel Aulas is hopeful of continuing the progession next year. "We are improving each season and we need to keep moving in the same direction," he said. "To do that we must hold on to all of our players if we can." That might be difficult. France forward Sidney Govou has already announced that he intends to move abroad in the summer, while Lyon face a battle to hold on to their highly-rated midfield player Michael Essien.

Television deal
Aulas is not unduly concerned, however. He has helped Lyon achieve a strong financial position and their resources will be further replenished next season due to a lucrative new television deal in France. "If certain players leave then we will replace them with players who are equally good, if not better," Aulas vowed.

'Next breakthrough'
"Next season we'll be in the Champions League for a sixth successive year," he added. "We've got through the group phase three times. Sooner or later we'll make the next breakthrough. It was the same in the French league. We finished third, second and second before eventually winning it. Now we are going for a fourth consecutive title."

Exciting talent
Mahamadou Diarra, Florent Malouda, Anthony Réveillère and Abidal have all significantly enhanced their reputations this season and look certain stay at the club. Furthermore, Lyon appear to be producing the most exciting young talent in France. Bryan Bergougnoux, Jérémy Berthod, Jérémy Clément, Karim Benzema, Sylvain Idangar, Yacine Hima and Hatem Ben Arfa are all youth-team products and appear to have big futures, while Brazilian striker Nilmar, 20, will be looking to make more of an impact next season.

Le Guen doubt
Whether Le Guen will still be in charge then is uncertain. The former France midfield player has still not signed an extension to his contract which expires in June, and could be ready to end his Lyon reign after three successful seasons. Losing their impressive young coach would represent a major blow to Lyon, but so strong is their current position both on and off pitch, it should not prevent them from enjoying more success next year.