New
Lyon boss
Remi Garde has cited
Arsene Wenger and
Stoke City as inspiration for how his team will play.
The 45-year-old Frenchman is keen for his side to combine the never-say-die attitude of Tony Pulis’ men and the flowing game Arsenal play under Wenger.
Garde, who played for
theGunners between 1996 and 1999, has ambitions to win by playing the "beautiful game".
"It’s the alchemy that’s made Arsene Wenger successful: keep the English fighting spirit and have the game flowing and moving,” Garde told
Foot01.
“I have other sources of inspiration. I like the will of Stoke City and
BirminghamCity in terms of desire to give energy and commitment.
“Yes, I am ambitious, as I have said. Everyone in the club is, even if our talk is more cautious.
“I do not think you can win back the public without [positive] results. To play the beautiful game and lose, that’s not my goal.”
The former French international played at Lyon through his youth from 1982, becoming club captain in the process before he left for Strasbourg in 1993.
The defender joined Arsenal on the same day as Patrick Vieira, but unlike the Gunners legend, Garde was always expected to be used as experienced cover.
With age and a persistent knee injury hampering his career, he retired in June 1999 at the London club.
His appointment as manager of Lyon is his first role as head coach, although he has worked over the past few years as a coach and assistant manager at the French club.