The 43-year-old succeeds Paulo Fonseca, who left the French club last week to take charge of Portuguese side Sporting.
Lyon confirmed the appointment on Monday, 9 November, explaining that Vicens’ football philosophy, high standards and commitment to developing players made him the preferred candidate to continue the club’s sporting project.
Vicens brings Manchester City and Braga experience
Vicens previously worked at Manchester City, where he joined the club in 2017 and later became part of Pep Guardiola’s first-team coaching staff in 2021. He spent four seasons working alongside Guardiola before leaving in 2025.
He subsequently took charge of Portuguese outfit SC Braga, his first senior managerial appointment. During his 15-month spell, he guided Braga to fourth place in the 2025/26 league campaign, the Portuguese League Cup final and the Europa League semi-finals.
His experience at both clubs is expected to help him establish his ideas at Lyon as they pursue their domestic and European ambitions.
Lyon continue search for stability
Lyon currently occupy fifth position in Ligue 1 and 13th in the Europa League standings, leaving Vicens with the responsibility of improving the club’s performances across both competitions.
He will lead his first training session on Tuesday morning before being officially presented to the media later that day.
The appointment marks a new chapter for Lyon following Fonseca’s departure, with the club hoping Vicens can build on the foundations already established and deliver consistent results.