Fekir to lead Lyon into new Ligue 1 campaign

Lyon have nam
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ed midfielder Nabil Fekir as their new captain.

The Ligue 1 side lost both skipper Maxime Gonalons and vice-captain Alexandre Lacazette to Roma and Arsenal respectively during the close season.

Fekir impressed alongside both those men as Bruno Genesio’s side finished fourth in Ligue 1 and reached the semi-finals of the Europa League last season, weighing in with 14 goals across all competitions.

Lyon open their 2017-18 campaign against newly promoted Strasbourg on Saturday and Genesio feels the 24-year-old France international will grow into the role.

“I expect that he will invest more and become more responsible in the group,” Genesio told a news conference.

“He has to take over. What I’ve seen for six weeks has given me satisfaction.

“Seniority at the club was important in my choice. We must maintain a certain tradition, a philosophy of formation.”

Fekir added: “It’s an honour for me. All the staff trusts me and it is up to me to give them that confidence and give it to all on the field
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“The coach tried several captains during this pre-season. It is good for me, a big responsibility and a nice surprise.”