Remi Garde bringing the best out of new-look Lyon

PARIS (AP) -When Remi Garde took charge of Lyon this season, he was given a one-year contract, told he had no money to spend and inherited a squad low on morale following a tough season under the rigid leadership of former coach Claude Puel.

Several months later, Garde has restored team spirit, has the team playing attractive, attacking football, and successfully blended in youth players while instilling a resilient streak that was so lacking under Puel.

Despite trailing in its last three matches, Lyon has bounced back to either win or draw, and it is unbeaten in its last five matches ahead of Saturday's home game against struggling Caen.

Garde says "this team has a lot of character, a lot of heart'' and that "it's tough to beat us at the moment.''