Lyon (AFP)

The president of Lyon, Jean-Michel Aulas spoke on Friday "of his fears of a championship which would not end in 2019-2020" but displayed his optimism for the future of OL after the crisis linked to the epidemic new coronavirus.

"We are for the resumption of Ligue 1, in solidarity with everyone, we will do everything to resume but I have the impression that each day that goes by may bring us closer to a championship that would not end in 2019-2020, "said the head of Olympique Lyonnais in an interview with the daily newspaper Le Progrès de Lyon.

Regarding European competitions, "the decisions taken by UEFA are to play from August 3 to 29, but will we be able to travel by plane in early August to go to Turin?" Asked Aulas.

Lyon have yet to play their Champions League 8th final return leg against Juventus after winning the first leg 1-0 on February 26 at Groupama stadium.

"There is also a great fear there that it could not be done as it was decided on the domestic plan as European. In Spain, in Portugal, the borders are closed until the end of August, in Italy on July 31 and in England even further, "said Jean-Michel Aulas.

The latter was on the other hand optimistic for the future of OL which "has made very ambitious plans to emerge stronger from the crisis".

"We do not have all the data but we will be alive at the end of the crisis, it is safe and in a position to continue to invest, perhaps even more than the others," he said. that OL Groupe was "on the verge of obtaining a loan guaranteed by the State of 77 million euros, owes 25% of the turnover of the group".

Discussions on wage cuts are also underway.

"A large part of the workforce is on short-time working and we have reduced our salary costs as much as possible. We are talking to the male and female professional groups to find agreements that go beyond partial unemployment in order to reduce our costs," said Jean. -Michel Aulas.

"We are about to end up with the women's team, there are still things to validate with the boys," said the OL boss.

© 2020 AFP