Could the Guardiola disciple dismissed by Braga be Lyon’s next boss?
With Fonseca set to leave for Sporting, Lyon could turn to a coach who just exited the Portuguese league. Daniel Riolo noted on RMC’s After Foot that Carlos Vicens “holds the rope” to succeed Fonseca.
The Spanish coach was sacked on October 20 after a 2‑1 home loss to Gil Vicente, Braga’s third consecutive defeat in all competitions. A harsh end to a successful 2025‑2026 campaign.
Europa League semi‑finalist
In his debut season in charge, Vicens guided Braga to fourth place behind Porto, Sporting and Benfica, reached the Europa League semi‑finals (lost 4‑3 on aggregate to Freiburg) and appeared in the Portuguese League Cup final (lost 2‑1 to Vitória SC).
He’s off to a strong start. After a modest semi‑professional playing career in Spain and early coaching roles in lower divisions, his path changed in 2017 when, as assistant at CD Llosetense, he sent his résumé to Manchester City. “I didn’t hear back at first, but the next year I earned a stint at City,” he recalled for Coaches’ Voice. “I didn’t know how long I’d stay, only that I wanted to learn their methods.” In my view, he has made a brilliant start to his top‑level career.
An “incredible experience” with Pep Guardiola
At Manchester City he began with the U12s, climbing the ladder to the U18s, where his side won the FA Youth Cup in 2020. Players such as CJ Egan‑Riley, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer featured under his guidance.
Joining Pep Guardiola’s first‑team staff was a dream come true for Vicens. “Pep was an idol to me,” he told Coaches’ Voice. “Being part of his coaching team was incredible yet demanding. He gives you freedom, but you must never disappoint him, the staff or the players. Pep’s intensity runs at 100 km/h, so you have to be ready for the challenge. If he deems you good enough to assist, you want to give back.”