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Bernard Lacombe, the key figure behind Lyon’ Golden Years

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Bernard Lacombe, who has just passed away, was actually the real figure behind Lyon’s golden era in the 2000s.

Lyon’s legend, Bernard Lacombe, reportedly departed on June 17th due to Alzheimer's. He was probably more well-known as a player due to his success at his clubs, particularly with Girondins Bordeaux in the mid-1980s, when he won three league titles plus two French Cups. However, his career on the sideline and behind the pitch was often overlooked.

The former striker was also part of the Les Bleus’ squad in the 1978 and 1982 FIFA World Cups plus EURO 1984 but might not have a memorable managerial career. His only stint as a coach was in Lyon from 1996 to 2000 without winning a single trophy in hand. Yet, Lacombe played a crucial role in Les Gones’ success in the following decade alongside the owner, Jean-Michel Aulas. Lyon became a new powerhouse in French football and won seven consecutive league titles, a record to date which even PSG or Marseille have yet to be able to match.  As a dominant force in France, Lyon also managed to reach the semi-final in UCL 2010 before suffering a loss against Bayern 4-0 on aggregate.

Lacombe’s role in Lyon’s success truly deserves more recognition. There is no better time than now in order to honour his departure.

His role on the sideline

Lacombe was named Lyon’s boss in December 1996 following the disappointing form of Les Gones under Guy Stephan, the father of former Rennes boss, Julian Stephan. In his first season, he managed to lead them to finish 8th in 1996/97. In the following seasons, Lyon’s campaign had been improving under his tutelage. They sat in sixth place in 1997/98 and then finished third consecutively in 1999 and 2000.

In the continental campaign, Lacombe was able to guide Gregory Coupet and Co. to win the Intertoto Cup 1998, the secondary tournament as a qualifier for the UEFA Cup. One of his team's notable game was a 2-1 win on the road against the eventual champion, Inter Milan, in the first leg of the second round. Sadly, they were crushed 3-1 at home in the reverse fixture. His side also managed to reach a further stage in the UEFA Cup 1999. Les Gones advanced to the quarterfinals before heading to the exit following their 3-2 defeat to Bologna on aggregate.

Nevertheless, his contribution to his team was, as a matter of fact, beyond that. Lacombe was believed to be the key figure in instilling a winning mentality into Les Gones, which helped them to keep on improving their campaign until they finally became the dominant force of the decade.

The former St Etienne man eventually gave up his managerial post at the end of the 1999/2000 season. Lacombe hinted that he could not take the huge pressure as a coach and preferred to resume his role behind the pitch in management, the position which he started once he hung up his boots.

Season

Notable match (H= home – A= away)

1996/97

vs OM 8-0 (Ligue 1 - H)

1997/98

vs PSG 1-0 (Ligue 1- H)

vs OM 2-1 (Ligue 1 – H)

vs Inter Milan 2-1 (UEFA Cup second round – A)

1998/99

vs OM 2-1 (Ligue 1 – H)

vs PSG 1-0 (Ligue 1 – A)

vs Bologna 2-0 (UEFA Cup quarterfinal – H)

1999/00

vs PSG 1-0 (Ligue 1 – H)

vs OM 2-0 (Ligue 1 – H)

vs Werder Bremen 3-0 (UEFA Cup – H)

His role in the management

The former striker with 38 international caps was initially recruited by the local businessman, Jean-Michel Aulas as Sporting Director in 1988, only a year after his retirement. He was seen as the man who knew the rope of football business by Aulas. At that time, Lyon was still competing in the second tier. His support behind the pitch instantly brought them back to the top flight under Raymond Domenech. Lacombe held that post till the end of 1996 when he was named the first team boss to salvage their season.

Lacombe returned to the management in 2000 but no longer as the Sporting Director but rather as the ‘Sport Advisor’ to the owner instead. He was Aulas’ right hand man when it came to decision-making to improve the team. The former frontman who was once also playing for Les Gones  from 1969 to 1978 was the man behind the club’s signings. The likes of Sonny Anderson, who had been considered a flop following his failed stint in Barcelona, then Juninho Pernambucano, Michael Essien, Edmilson, Mahammadou Diarra, and Fred were only some of the example.

The Lyon native held his role as the advisor for nearly 20 years. Lacombe chose to leave his post in 2019 stating that he believed that his club did no longer need his service.

 


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