Aulas calls for Puel backing

Published Sep. 21, 2010 2:46 p.m. ET

foxsports

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas wants the club's fans to rally behind the team after claiming now is not the time to sack coach Claude Puel.

Les Gones, one of the Ligue 1 title contenders, currently lie just above the relegation zone after winning only one of their opening six games.

Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Bordeaux was the final straw for some supporters but Aulas is confident Puel can turn it around.

He told OLTV: "Changing the coach is a plan which does not hold water.

"Not one club has ever changed its coach this early in the season and achieved its goals.

"He is extremely competent. Sacking him today would be a mistake.

"The situation would become more traumatic by the scars it created. We need a better solution."

Next up for Lyon is a local derby with leaders St Etienne at the weekend and Aulas is hoping the players and fans can pull in the same direction.

"We need everybody behind the team," he added.

"We are shooting ourselves in the foot.

"The derby is huge, a matter of pride and momentum.

"Any action that would change this dynamic should not be considered for a second."