Lyon appoint Sylvinho, Juninho in dual Brazilian swoop

Lyon's 2019-20 campaign will have a decidedly Brazilian feel.

Les Gones officially announced the appointments of Sylvinho as manager and club legend Juninho in the sporting director role Tuesday.

Sylvinho, who last played with Manchester City in 2010, has been working his way toward a managerial position following assistant roles with the Brazilian national team, Inter, and Corinthians, among others. The 45-year-old former left-back replaces Bruno Genesio on the touchline for Lyon on a two-year deal.

"I had different proposals. I was in big projects with the Brazilian national team and Inter Milan. I wanted to focus on Europe. For me, Lyon's project is excellent. It's a big club. With Juninho, it will be easier," Sylvinho said during Tuesday's press conference.

Juninho - who is lionized at Lyon as a free-kick whiz following 75 goals in 248 league appearances as part of seven straight league titles - is set to deal with the club's player personnel decisions ahead of a summer that could involve a bevy of sales.

"We will wait to confirm who's leaving. In the past, we've accepted a certain distance with PSG. We must reduce it. I hope the coach will find a balance early in the season," Juninho said.

Lyon finished third in Ligue 1 last season, 21 points adrift of runaway league winners Paris Saint-Germain, and qualified for the knockout rounds of the Champions League following a memorable victory over City at the Etihad in the group stage.