Promoted from training to the bench of the Olympique Lyonnais first team at the end of November 2023, Pierre Sage allowed Les Gones to finish the season like a cannonball. But a big year later (January 2025), that did not prevent John Textor, then boss of OL, from kicking him out. Arriving in Lens five months after his dismissal from Lyon, the coach has resumed his positive pace, with a record that is, to say the least, resounding.
According to statistics recorded by Opta and relayed this Monday by L'Équipe, Pierre Sage is making one of the best debuts for a Ligue 1 coach in the 21st century. No less than 57.1% success on the clock for the native of Lons-le-Saunier. Moreover, of the coaches currently active in the elite of French football, there are only Luis Enrique (69.8%) and Roberto De Zerbi (61.9%) who do better than him.
On a larger scale, still remaining within the limits of the current century, Pierre Sage ranks tenth among the best beginners with 28 victories in 49 matches. With additional prowess, since those who are ahead of him play in clubs with a much higher budget. The first five come from PSG, like Thomas Tuchel (38 successes), Unai Emery (36), Mauricio Pochettino (35), Luis Enrique (33) and Carlo Ancelotti (29).
Pierre Sage in great shape with Lens
The next four come from AS Monaco. Pierre Sage can continue to increase his success percentage and he intends to do so on Saturday evening when he hosts Olympique de Marseille at Bollaert-Delelis (9:05 p.m., 9th day). This will then be the fiftieth match for the current Sang et Or coach on a Ligue 1 bench.
Victorious this Sunday against Paris FC (2-1), his team has already recorded five successes in eight days of the championship, which allows it to occupy fourth place in the ranking. And as appetite comes with eating…
