Q&A with Olympique Lyonnais boss James Murray

What were first changes you thought about making when you took over?

I will be honest with you it's been a frantic start to the job and relieved to now be completely finished in the transfer market and able to now fully concentrate on the upcoming fixtures. On arrival the squad size was way over the required 30 so quickly recalled every player loaned out that we could and get the whole group together to decide who should stay and be part of the club's future and who should unfortunately be asked to leave. In the end only 16 remain although Marcelo and Marchal will be sold and 16 have been brought in + 2 on loan and potentially a 3rd, giving new squad size of 30 + 3 loaned in and 2 remain loaned out. This is by no means my managerial style to make so many changes but with the club struggling and competition fierce it was important that we acted quickly to what I felt necessary changes to the playing staff.

Do you think you will be able to close the gap and be competing this season?

I honestly don't believe we have a good enough team this season to be challenging at the top. Unfortunately after arriving to the club late all the players we would have prioritised in signing had been snapped up by other clubs, however I did inherit some very good players and finances were there to strengthen the squad on alternative targets. Hopefully we will close the gap but it's going to take a few rating reviews for players to improve and push us up the table.

What league position are you aiming for?

Firstly we have got to avoid relegation as it would be a massive disappointment to all the supporters and a complete disaster to a club of our stature. Being realistic I think we will have enough about us though to narrowly avoid relegation places and were aiming for around 14th place.

Are you lacking leaders on the pitch?

Yes unfortunately at the moment I would say we are lacking leaders but it's a new group of young talented players and the opportunity is there for new leaders to emerge.

Who is the man you look to inspire the younger players?

Nabil Fekir (pictured, right) will be the man to inspire our younger players as our club captain. He is without question our best player and the younger players are already in awe at how he conducts himself on and off the pitch. A true model professional in every sense of the word who has worked hard to get to the level he is currently at.

Who would you say are the most exciting prospects at the club?

Rodri Hernandez is the most exciting prospect at the club! Many eyebrows were raised when Bertrand Traore was allowed to leave the club in exchange for Rodri but mark my words this boy can play and will show his worth for many years to come.

Which players should we be looking out for?

It will be a big season for Mouctar Diakhaby in central defense and Lucas Tousart in defensive midfield. Both have come through the ranks at the club and I have sold better players to allow their continued development in the first team.

PSV & West Ham are leading the way do you expect them to stay as contenders?

Yeah they are definitely the form teams to beat and can't see them letting up as the drive on for the title.

Are there others that you think can win it?

Sporting Lisbon have been excellent this season and to still remain unbeaten is very impressive. Pretty sure they will start turning those draws into wins and be challenging for the title.

Overall what do you make of your time at Lyon so far?

It's been extremely difficult to say the least. 2-1 defeat against Nice was a game that came to soon, 1-0 victory against Rangers in the cup was good for morale, 1-0 victory against Everton was a complete surprise but we will take it and 2-1 defeat against West Ham was in reflection not the worst result.

What are the biggest plus points?

Definitely the players I have inherited have been biggest plus point. It's a huge credit to the club's academy and scouting network to have such talent in the playing staff.

Is there anything you're not happy with?

Memphis Depay (left) is lazy and arrogant but after his transfer out collapsed he has promised to turn over a new leaf and work hard for the team. Time will tell.