Olympique Lyonnais officially put an end to the mission of Pierre Sage this Monday. After several disappointing results, including early elimination in the French Cup against Bourgoin and insufficient performance in Ligue 1, John Textor, president of OL, decided. Sage, appointed to everyone's surprise in December 2023, could not maintain the expected dynamics this season, despite a notable course in the Europa League.
A page turns to OL
If OL has displayed progress at times, the recent zero against Nantes (1-1) and the difficulty of winning against teams within their reach ended up sealing the fate of Sage and its staff. Textor, who came in person in Lyon, announced the decision directly, while ensuring that the club is actively working on a new sporting momentum.
Pierre Sage's successor is already known: Paulo Fonseca. According to information from the team, the Portuguese technician, free since his departure from AC Milan last December, is expected to be appointed in the coming hours. Fonseca, 51, has already been in contact with John Textor in the past, especially in 2021. He should arrive with his staff and the objective of bringing OL back to the podium of Ligue 1, a priority objective for management American.
Paulo Fonseca should be the new OL coach.
Fonseca enjoys a solid reputation in Europe thanks to its experiences at Shakhtar Donetsk, AS Roma and LOSC. Known for its offensive and demanding style of play, it represents an ambitious option for a club that seeks to find the heights.
Sage Pierre, an honorable assessment
Despite his departure, Pierre Sage left OL with respectable results. He kept the club in Ligue 1 during a delicate season and led the team to a French Cup final. Currently 6th in Ligue 1 and well positioned in the Europa League, Sage could rebound quickly in another project.
The arrival of Paulo Fonseca will mark a new chapter for Lyon, with the hope of a return at the top of the table and a direct European qualification. The coming weeks will be decisive to gauge the impact of this change on the future of the club.