Former Barca, Arsenal player to coach Lyon

Brazilian Sylvinho replaces Genesio after being hand-picked by compatriot Juninho

PARIS: Brazil's Sylvinho, who once played for Barcelona and Arsenal, was set to be named as the new coach of French Ligue 1 club Lyon on a two-year contract, reports claimed on Friday.

RMC Sport said that the 45-year-old will replace Bruno Genesio for next season after being hand-picked by compatriot Juninho, a former Lyon star who will be the club's new sporting director.

Sylvinho has been working as right-hand man to Brazil coach Tite and had been preparing a team for the 2020 Olympics in Japan.

However, he announced he was standing down from that job earlier Friday.

In his playing career as a defender, Sylvinho started his career in his native Brazil with Corinthians before moving to Arsenal, Celta Vigo and Barcelona.

He ended his playing days with one season at Manchester City in 2009-2010.