'We'll be back' - USWNT star Lindsey Horan optimistic about Lyon's future amid Michele Kang investment despite Champions League final defeat to Barcelona

The Catalans emerged 2-0 winners in Bilbao on Saturday to win back-to-back titles, their third overall and complete an historic quadruple, the first for the women's team. It was a disappointment for Lyon, the eight-time European champions, who have been the dominant force for large spells since winning their first crown in 2011.

Barca's rise has prompted many to ponder whether Lyon's time at the top is over and if the Spanish champions can now become the new team to beat. It's talk that the French giants squashed in the 2022 final, when they beat Barca 3-1, and it is talk that Horan was again keen to dismiss this year, even if the result was in their opponents' favour this time.

"Barca is consistently at the top. It's a lot of credit to what they're doing and how they're playing. But we've been there," she told reporters. "I haven't been a part of this team for that long but they've been at the top of Champions League podiums for years. I'm just proud of us. We'll be back. We go back, we work hard, and hopefully next year we'll be back here."

One of the many reasons for Lyon to be optimistic about what the future holds is Michele Kang, who became the new majority owner in the team last summer and is keen to ensure the club remains one of the best in the world.

"I don't think anything really changes in us," Horan said of Kang's arrival. "I think it's more like we're going to invest more in this club. It's one of the best teams in the world, so we deserve more. Some of the things you see, maybe Barca and all these other clubs, are getting, facilities and investment, I think that's what Michele sees in us.

"Just because we've been at the top and we've won this many trophies, that doesn't mean everything's perfect. I think she sees a lot in us, she sees something special, and she wants to continue to make it grow and continue to make us shine and be at the top of our game. It's incredible what she's doing. Hopefully we can continue doing that."

Lyon will be tasked with appointing a new manager this summer as Sonia Bompastor prepares to join two of Horan's USWNT team-mates, Catarina Macario and Mia Fishel, at Chelsea. Meanwhile, Horan's focus now switches to this summer's Olympic Games, with ex-Chelsea boss Emma Hayes to take charge of her and the U.S. for the first time next week in a friendly against South Korea.