Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas wonders if “it’s not better to stay in the Europa League”.
The French side are in Juventus’ Champions League group, and can still qualify in second place if results in the last two matches go on their favour.
While l’OL will work toward that goal, their President feels it might be better to drop into the Europa League.
“We have a double expectation, firstly qualifying for the Europa League,” Aulas told Progrès.
Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas wonders if “it’s not better to stay in the Europa League”.
The French side are in Juventus’ Champions League group, and can still qualify in second place if results in the last two matches go on their favour.
While l’OL will work toward that goal, their President feels it might be better to drop into the Europa League.
“We have a double expectation, firstly qualifying for the Europa League,” Aulas told Progrès.
“Then we have this somewhat crazy hope of qualifying for the Last 16 of the Champions League if we win and Juventus win in Seville.
“I’m dreaming of a great match against Sevilla at Parc OL, on the eve of the fête des lumières in Lyon.
“What do I think will happen? I’ll tell you, isn’t it better to stay in the Europa League this season so Parc OL can see more matches?
“We know it’s easier to make a path in the Europa League than in the Champions League. But maybe we have this ambition to envisage that final against Sevilla.
“It’s a matter of logic. Passion sometimes leads you down paths of ambition, but sometimes it would be reasonable to prefer to play the Europa League.
“OL have ambition, we’re passionate and we envision the best. We’ll do everything to beat Zagreb, and wait for Sevilla-Juventus.”
Surely though the Champions League is more lucrative?
“Yes and no. The most lucrative part of the Champions League is qualifying and the matches in the group stage.
“Then we have to make a calculation between playing two matches in the Champions League and playing four or six in the Europa League.
“Then the financial calculation isn’t so obvious, because we know that every Europa League match from the Last 16 onwards corresponds to a very important recipe at Parc OL.
“It certainly represents the equivalent in television rights to the Champions League. After Juventus at Parc OL we actually got over €3m in hospitality.
“It’s around that each time, because we own it.”
Both Sevilla and Juventus have assured there won’t be a ‘biscotto’, or a mutually beneficial draw, does Aulas trust that?
“Yes, it’s undeniable,” the President replied.
“Because those who finish first in their group have a 60 or 70 per cent better chance of reaching the Quarter-Finals.”