Juninho in the running for Lyon coaching job

Rio de Janeiro, May 16 (IANS) Former Brazil international midfielder Juninho is reportedly in the shortlist of candidates to coach French football club Lyon.

Juninho has been in contact with the Ligue 1 club’s officials after current coach Remi Garde announced he will leave at the end of the season, according to Brazilian sports news portal Lancenet, reports Xinhua.

The 39-year-old has made no secret of his desire to coach Lyon, who he helped to seven consecutive league titles as a player from 2002 to 2008.

Juninho ended his playing career in January having had spells at Al-Gharafa, Vasco da Gama and the New York Red Bulls after leaving Lyon in 2009.

Garde’s side are currently fifth in Ligue 1 and must defeat Nice in Saturday’s final match of the season to earn a spot in the 2014-15 Europa League.