Paulo Fonseca backs massive rotation after Hoffenheim 3-0 loss

Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca owned up to the heavy rotation that backfired for OL in Germany: Hoffenheim beat them 3-0 on Thursday in Europa League, matchday three. The Portuguese explained he opted to manage playing time because a “very important and very tough” game against PSG is coming.

Fonseca said the message may not have landed: “Peut-être que mon message n'est pas passé.” After two wins in as many outings at the start of their European campaign, his side’s momentum ended with a big defeat in Hoffenheim.

For the tie, his staff fielded a largely rotated XI, while several regulars were rested. Players such as Rémi Himbert and Steeve Kango were handed starts, with Kango forced off injured in the first half. The loss leaves Lyon heading into the Ligue 1 trip to PSG, second in the table and only ahead of the Lyon goal-difference.

The eighth-round clash was originally set for Sunday at 20:45 at the Parc des Princes, but could be moved back one day due to police deployments across France, reports RMC Sport.