Jose Mourinho is “not compatible” with Lyon “economic reality” after the former Manchester United manager was linked with a move to Ligue 1.
The Portuguese previously discussed moving to France after leaving Old Trafford in December.
But president Jean-Michel Aulas has cooled talk of Mourinho joining Lyon, insisting he is beyond their financial capabilities.
“I saw him last summer in Moscow, we talked a bit, but not about him coming to Lyon, on transfers,” Aulas told L’Equipe.
“The Special One is not compatible with our economic reality.”
Mourinho previously attached his name to Ligue 1, with Lyon and Monaco both linked as a potential landing spot.
“I can imagine myself as a coach in Ligue 1,” he said. “I am a man who has worked in four different countries. I like to know other cultures. Working in a new championship would be a fantastic experience.
“For now I’m calm, I try to live better with my family and friends and I work calmly to hope for the opportunity to go back to football.”