Lyon replaces Hubert Fournier with right-hand man Bruno Genesio

Lyon - Hubert Fournier became the second Ligue 1 coach in two days to be replaced when he was removed from the hot-seat at mid-table Lyon, the seven-time champions announced in a bizarre statement on Thursday.

Lyon said that Fournier's assistant, Bruno Genesio, will take charge beginning Dec. 28, when he will prepare the team for its first game after the winter break, a French Cup clash against Limoges on January 3.

"Different ideas were studied ... the decision was taken to entrust the team to Bruno Genesio, at least until the end of the season," said Lyon in a statement which did not make reference to Fournier's status.

Lyon is currently in ninth place in the table, a huge 25 points behind runaway leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

On Wednesday, Rolland Courbis quit as coach of struggling Montpellier following a run of seven games without a win which has left the team in danger of relegation.