Houllier pleased after Lyon's winning start

New Olympique Lyon coach Gerard Houllier seemed happy enough after the French champions started their quest for an unprecedented fifth successive Ligue 1 title in winning if not in spectacular fashion.

"We were patient, realistic and intelligent and I liked that very much," the former Liverpool manager told reporters after Lyon needed a second-half goal from newcomer John Carew to win 2-1 at promoted Le Mans on Sunday.

Lyon, playing their third match within eight days, looked sluggish and failed to turn on the style but Houllier did not mind.

"In that type of match style does not really matter," he said.

Lyon, whose highly rated Ghana midfielder Michael Essien is being tracked by Premier League champions Chelsea, have a new striker in Carew, who is adapting fast.

The Norway forward, who had netted a hat-trick in Lyon's 4-1 demolition of AJ Auxerre in the Champions Trophy last week, headed home a Sydney Govou cross just before the hour to present his side with victory.

"It's been a good week for the team as a whole and for me personally," said Carew.

"We're playing better and better."

The champions might be challenged this season by Paris St Germain, the first weekend Ligue 1 leaders after thrashing Metz 4-1 on Friday.

The capital club made a spectacular signing in France midfielder Vikash Dhorasoo, formerly with Milan.

The last time they topped the standings was nearly five years ago.

"We must not get carried away," said PSG goalkeeper Jerome Alonzo. "Winning the opening game is not good enough to be crowned champions."

Lyon were not the only title favourites to make a tentative start with Monaco struggling to earn a 1-0 victory over promoted Nancy.

Lille, last season's surprise runners-up, also opened with a narrow victory, beating Stade Rennes 1-0.

Once-great Marseille, who suffered last season, suggested this term might be equally frustrating when they slumped to a 2-0 home defeat by Bordeaux.

"We have a problem with our defence which must be addressed with the players," said Marseille coach Jean Fernandez.