Lyon Bandwagon: Does It Bother You?

[LilleOSC]

For those that don't know what a bandwagon is:
"2. a party, cause, movement, etc., that by its mass appeal or strength readily attracts many followers: After it became apparent that the incumbent would win, everyone decided to jump on the bandwagon."
Source: dictionary.com

Does the Olympique Lyonnais bandwagon bother you at all? Lyon has won the French title 7 years in a row bringing tons of Lyon fans. Like other club bandwagons such as Manchester United, these fans usually have no connection whatsoever to the club. Most aren't French or Lyonnais, have never seen a Ligue 1 match before the Lyon empire, or gone to Lyon before. I follow Lille, because it is my family's home club. It does get foreigners to watch Ligue 1, but what bothers me is that these fans really don't seem to care at all about French football. It seems that foreigners either only follow Lyon or don't watch the league at all (since to them it is too defensive and the title race is boring). Slim to none actually care about other Ligue 1 clubs.

[d'artagnan7]

I can see where you come from, however, that is the unfortunate reality of things these days. People the world over seem to have only heard of Real, Manchester United and, in recent history, --Mr.Abramovich's Chelsea. At times like these you cannot help but quietly chuckle at the Ronaldo to Real saga, can you? For once, the average passer-by has actually heard of both clubs and is perhaps somewhat intrigued at mechanics of such a case. "Hang on, aren't these tabloid tales are usually reserved for the so called 'Smaller clubs'?", they wonder. Isn't it wonderful to have the likes of Real Madrid treat you like a 'small club'?

I agree with you on the whole Lyon example...but I have never really been fascinated by them to be honest. I've liked Marseille ever since I started following football for their ability to develop young players. I've also liked Monaco, to an extent, after watching their Champion's League exploits. The trouble with the French league is that it is not properly covered here in India...which I guess pushes the average Indian fan towards the CL French teams, of which --quite naturally, Lyon is a well-known face.

Its the same case in the other leagues...take La Liga for instance, I hadn't heard of Villareal until they played Arsenal in that CL Semi-final, however, if today you'd ask me which team I supported in Spain...I'd go with Villareal for their brand of football. However, I will also admit that Pires' transfer was a significant step towards this decision.

[TheLionLyon]

For those that don't know what a bandwagon is:
"2. a party, cause, movement, etc., that by its mass appeal or strength readily attracts many followers: After it became apparent that the incumbent would win, everyone decided to jump on the bandwagon."
Source: dictionary.com

Does the Olympique Lyonnais bandwagon bother you at all? Lyon has won the French title 7 years in a row bringing tons of Lyon fans. Like other club bandwagons such as Manchester United, these fans usually have no connection whatsoever to the club. Most aren't French or Lyonnais, have never seen a Ligue 1 match before the Lyon empire, or gone to Lyon before. I follow Lille, because it is my family's home club. It does get foreigners to watch Ligue 1, but what bothers me is that these fans really don't seem to care at all about French football. It seems that foreigners either only follow Lyon or don't watch the league at all (since to them it is too defensive and the title race is boring). Slim to none actually care about other Ligue 1 clubs.

I often get this alot, particularly when I am in the States and I usually don't bother to provide how I became a Lyon supporter. Kinda like a fan who has been supporting the New England Patriots since childhood, but ever since the Pats have been on their Super Bowl run, his fanhood gets questioned.

I grew up supporting US Creteil as that's where I was raised in the early part of my life. I still support them to this day and still go to games, only during the Christmas period though. My father and his family, on the other hand, grew up in Villeurbanne and supported Lyon and Venissieux growing up. He died when I was 3, so I didn't really experience the Lyonnais until my uncle got me onto them. The first match I ever seen in person was the greatest match I've ever seen. January 10, 1998. Lyon beat Marseille 2-1 with two late goals from the great Alain Caveglia and I have been supporting Lyon since. About the titles, I just say that luck was on my side. :D

Ask for supporting French football, I don't think it has anything to worry about. People are let off because of, in their eyes, the competition. Lyon winning seven straight titles in a supposed "big 4" league is an eyesore. Not to mention, over those 7 years, we have yet to come across a consistent threat. Hopefully, Laurent Blanc can keep it up at Bordeaux.

[INTER]

I usually don't bother to provide how I became a Lyon supporter.

What about Shakhtar? :D:D

[dasfoo]

Are there really that many Lyon gloryhunters?

Fact is, success garners attention. Most of these nouveau fans probably never watched any French football before. Lyon, through their success, is the team that introduced the casual bystander to French football. As their gateway, it became their favorite team.

But, seriously, how may casual fans have a favorite team from France?

You're more than a casual fan just for picking a team outside England, Spain or Italy, IMO. Most serious football fans couldn't be bothered to notice that France even has a football league, if not for the occasional CL match or transfer of players to one of the bigger aforementioned leagues.

[drac78]

I'm sure half of their supporters (no offense to you thelionlyon:p) just support them cause they're the best team in France.

personally, I despise Lyon :D I never liked them and I'm not gonna like them just cause their chairman can buy all the best players in the league so that his team can win the ligue 1 year in, year out.;)

btw, just out of curiosity, LilleOSC, you're a French living in the US and TheLionLyon, you're an American living in France?

[LilleOSC]

btw, just out of curiosity, LilleOSC, you're a French living in the US and TheLionLyon, you're an American living in France?
Yeah.

He died when I was 3, so I didn't really experience the Lyonnais until my uncle got me onto them.
Sorry to bring that back up, but I have to say that I am really sorry to hear about that. I hope you and your family are okay.

Are there really that many Lyon gloryhunters?


Yes, and I bet most of them couldn't name at least 5 other clubs in Le Championnat.

[dada]

Be happy that people even care to jump on this supposed bandwagon......

[talk2smc]

Ask for supporting French football, I don't think it has anything to worry about. People are let off because of, in their eyes, the competition. Lyon winning seven straight titles in a supposed "big 4" league is an eyesore. Not to mention, over those 7 years, we have yet to come across a consistent threat. Hopefully, Laurent Blanc can keep it up at Bordeaux.

i think this is the biggest factor. the perception of competition. i enjoy watching French football, (scandalous as im an Italian:eek:), and enjoy following PSG. i wouldnt say i support them, (not a fan of the racism brought on by certain fan groups) but i do enjoy the club.
however, if you look at other leagues, i think the competition due to several teams battling for the title pull in fans/viewers. in Italy, annually its between 4 clubs, in Spain 2-4 clubs, EPL 4 clubs, even Scotland is a battle between 2 clubs. so it is difficult for potential fans to grab on when one club tends to dominate.
(now that may be just sour grapes for most, and joy for Lyon supporters:p)
i think this year was the best possible thing for French football as Bordeaux pushed Lyon to the end, and from what i read often, people were saying how Lyon were getting a bit weaker, instead of giving something to Blanc's squad for playing inspired football.

now- a note about finances. i think Aulus is a criminal:o:p for what he sells his players for, Essien the only one who i feel was worth every penny. i think one of the problems with Lyon is that they do go out and buy every player in order to stay atop the league. Now- the problem with the other clubs are, why are you allowing your players to continually be sold to Lyon?:confused:
you could just not take the 10 mil for Player X, and take a 7.5 bid and not sell off to Lyon. then perhaps the league would become more competitive.

but the best way to get people watching in France is to get the Lille's, the Bordeaux's, the Marseille's, the Rennes', etc hang onto their best talent and stay competitive to challenge Lyon.

cuz there is a ton of talent in Ligue I. love watching:)

[TheLionLyon]

What about Shakhtar? :D:D

Since 2005 :D

btw, just out of curiosity, LilleOSC, you're a French living in the US and TheLionLyon, you're an American living in France?

Well, my father is French and my mother's grandmother emigrated to the States from France. I go to school in the States as well and only get to come to France for the summer and holidays.

Sorry to bring that back up, but I have to say that I am really sorry to hear about that. I hope you and your family are okay.


No problem.


i think this year was the best possible thing for French football as Bordeaux pushed Lyon to the end, and from what i read often, people were saying how Lyon were getting a bit weaker, instead of giving something to Blanc's squad for playing inspired football.

If you notice, around the world, the title race wasn't even talked about. The only discussion I actually heard when Ligue 1 was talked about was "Can PSG avoid relegation?"

now- a note about finances. i think Aulus is a criminal:o:p for what he sells his players for, Essien the only one who i feel was worth every penny. i think one of the problems with Lyon is that they do go out and buy every player in order to stay atop the league. Now- the problem with the other clubs are, why are you allowing your players to continually be sold to Lyon?:confused:
you could just not take the 10 mil for Player X, and take a 7.5 bid and not sell off to Lyon. then perhaps the league would become more competitive.


Don't get me started on this. Aulas gets the best offer and only the best offer. Diarra seems to have been worth every penny at Real Madrid. Temmates have been begging for him to stay.

but the best way to get people watching in France is to get the Lille's, the Bordeaux's, the Marseille's, the Rennes', etc hang onto their best talent and stay competitive to challenge Lyon.

cuz there is a ton of talent in Ligue I. love watching:)

Yeah, and the only way for that to happen is to preserve our talent and stop selling our youth. For example, Yoann Gourcuff. Goes to AC Milan and literally falls of the face of the earth and now comes back to Ligue 1, albeit a loan, on his last legs. Basically if he sucks at Bordeaux, he's done. If Ben Arfa were to leave, I wouldn't mind him going to Marseille because at least he would be staying in Ligue 1.

[talk2smc]

If you notice, around the world, the title race wasn't even talked about. The only discussion I actually heard when Ligue 1 was talked about was "Can PSG avoid relegation?"

alot of discussion was devoted to PSG and relegation yes. i think the Double brought some attention, but yes i do think its a bit ridiculous that the assumption is that Lyon will take the title, when this year it was a race to the finish.


Don't get me started on this. Aulas gets the best offer and only the best offer. Diarra seems to have been worth every penny at Real Madrid. Temmates have been begging for him to stay.

i dont mean to knock on Aulus. he is a shrewed businessman. i think thats why he gets the job done in Ligue I and wins title after title. however, i think his sale of players for high high profit proves why it is difficult to make a run in Europe for you lot. but perhaps over the past seven years, the plan is sacrificing Europe to maintain domestic success? i dont know, just speculation. but he certainly gets the number he wants, and if not, theres no worry for Lyon, as he can simply keep the player. think of is Lyon this year still had Essien, Abidal, Malouda, etc. whew:o scary.



Yeah, and the only way for that to happen is to preserve our talent and stop selling our youth. For example, Yoann Gourcuff. Goes to AC Milan and literally falls of the face of the earth and now comes back to Ligue 1, albeit a loan, on his last legs. Basically if he sucks at Bordeaux, he's done. If Ben Arfa were to leave, I wouldn't mind him going to Marseille because at least he would be staying in Ligue 1.

unfortunately that is true. Nasri looking to go to Arsenal, Ribery left of course, Benzema/Ben Arfa constantly linked (please come to Rome Hatem;)), but it does seem that players in France are reluctant to play their young/prime years in France. Mexes did ok;) and i was happy to see Gomis sign on at St Etienne for longer:)

[TheLionLyon]

but perhaps over the past seven years, the plan is sacrificing Europe to maintain domestic success? i dont know, just speculation. but he certainly gets the number he wants, and if not, theres no worry for Lyon,


I think during the early years of our title run, we were consistent in the Champions League, but Aulas still wanted to focus on the league. It was until a few years back when the critics came barking on how the multi-time French champions could not get it done in Europe that made his focus on Europe. Hell, we fired Alain Perrin after he won the double. I know there are other reasons for the firing, but Aulas basically said that Perrin wasn't the guy who could get us to the CL final.

as he can simply keep the player. think of is Lyon this year still had Essien, Abidal, Malouda, etc. whew scary.

The problem with that is Essien, Abidal, Diarra, Malouda, etc., all wanted to leave and even threatened to not show up during pre-season. I think we would have the on of the tops squads today if we kept all our players. Essien, Diarra, Edmilson, Malouda, Kanoute, Guily, Bak, Abidal, Tiago, Bergougnoux, Clement, good old Steed, etc., The list goes on.

[talk2smc]

The problem with that is Essien, Abidal, Diarra, Malouda, etc., all wanted to leave and even threatened to not show up during pre-season. I think we would have the on of the tops squads today if we kept all our players. Essien, Diarra, Edmilson, Malouda, Kanoute, Guily, Bak, Abidal, Tiago, Bergougnoux, Clement, good old Steed, etc., The list goes on.

yea, i think by now with the squad and consistency, youd have a CL title by now.

but again those players, due to the reasons you, me and others have pointed out, are motivated to play their best years elsewhere not only away from Lyon, but out of France.

[LilleOSC]

Certainly Puel's move to Lyon does not help to make the league more competitive.

[TheLionLyon]

Certainly Puel's move to Lyon does not help to make the league more competitive.

Probably not, but, clubs need to step up in terms of buying and selling players. Bordeaux knew they had a chance in the league and they are already stacking up there squad. Blanc has already said NO ONE of value will be leaving Bordeaux and he will only be buying. They've picked up a talented young midfielder in Gourcuff and they are in the process of getting Yoann Gouffran. Marseille needs to take that approach. Hopefully, they are wise with the money they will receive for Nasri.

[drac78]

Certainly Puel's move to Lyon does not help to make the league more competitive.

yep, it only makes Lyon more competitive.

The ligue 1 should be less competitive next season, while Lyon have improved (lloris, makoun, ederson, puel), Bordeaux only brought Gourcuff (who'll probably replace micoud as the useless/disappointing playmaker), Marseille will very likely sell Nasri, and only brought a defender who played in the Moroccan league:confused:, and I can't see Nancy doing as well as they did this season.

Hopefully PSG finally get relegated next season :p

[talk2smc]

Probably not, but, clubs need to step up in terms of buying and selling players. Bordeaux knew they had a chance in the league and they are already stacking up there squad. Blanc has already said NO ONE of value will be leaving Bordeaux and he will only be buying. They've picked up a talented young midfielder in Gourcuff and they are in the process of getting Yoann Gouffran. Marseille needs to take that approach. Hopefully, they are wise with the money they will receive for Nasri.

yep, it only makes Lyon more competitive.

The ligue 1 should be less competitive next season, while Lyon have improved (lloris, makoun, ederson, puel), Bordeaux only brought Gourcuff (who'll probably replace micoud as the useless/disappointing playmaker), Marseille will very likely sell Nasri, and only brought a defender who played in the Moroccan league:confused:, and I can't see Nancy doing as well as they did this season.

Hopefully PSG finally get relegated next season :p



but how can you be upset at Lyon for buying players? and conversely, how can you not blame other clubs for not being resourceful with their players/signings?

i think thats more the issue here. i dont blame Lyon for going out and getting their man. thats the name of the game these days.
i blame the other clubs for not stepping up and saying NO to Lyon when they inquire about buying out their best talent. theres no law that says they have to sell to Lyon. just keep the player. or IF you do sell, sell to someone other than Lyon and be wise with the $ you get from the sale.

for example, in Italy Roma sell to Milan often, they have a good rapport. occasionally we sell to Inter. these two clubs are in direct competition with us for the trophies each year. but we sign other players with the $ who are smart buys. OR we simply dont sell the player to that club.

i like the idea of having competitive talent staying in the country, which is why i dont mind when Roma sell a player who stay in Serie A, but it is a choice which club to give the player to.

its the fault of every other French Ligue I club for taking the large bids by Lyon for a player, just as Lyon can be blamed for buying up all the talent. cant have it both ways Ligue I supporters:o

[LilleOSC]

and conversely, how can you not blame other clubs for not being resourceful with their players/signings?



Good point. I don't think Lille's president realizes that.

[meleficia]

Lille need to stop selling all their players to Lyon, although I loved the addition of Bodmer last year. Looks like you might hold on to Mirallas as well, which is good.

[andu]

Whoah, old thread & situation completely different now...

Interesting read.