Le Guen quits as coach of champions Lyon

Paul Le Guen has stepped down as coach of Olympique Lyon, one day after leading the club to a fourth domestic Ligue 1 title in a row.

"I have decided not to extend my contract with Olympique Lyon," Le Guen told a news conference yesterday.

"I was offered the chance to stay for three more years but I decided not to carry on here," said Le Guen, whose deal ends on June 30.

The 41-year-old Le Guen joined Lyon in 2002 after the club had claimed the first title in their history.

He took over from Jacques Santini, who was appointed as coach of France.

Le Guen, who coached Stade Rennes between 1998 and 2001, led Lyon to three Ligue 1 titles, including the one they clinched on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over AC Ajaccio.

The coach said he had no plans for the immediate future. Media reports have linked him with his former club Paris St Germain.

"I don't know what I'm going to do next," said Le Guen. "The only thing I'm certain is that I'm not tired of soccer."

Former Nantes and Real Sociedad coach Raynald Denoueix, Lazlo Boloni of Rennes and Lille's Claude Puel are among the favourites to take over at Lyon.

Lyon joined former French league giants St Etienne and Olympique Marseille as the only clubs to be crowned four times in succession.

Les Verts were in a class of their own from 1967 to 1970 while Marseille were champions from 1989 to 1992.