OL: Pierre Sage, it’s over!

After a little over a year at the head of Olympique Lyonnais, Pierre Sage is in an ejection seat. Despite the feat of last season, where he turned around a club flirting with relegation to lead it to qualification for the Europa League, the coach seems to have lost the confidence of his management.

A situation that has become untenable for Pierre Sage

The recent results have not helped anything. A series of three matches without a victory, including a humiliation in the Coupe de France against Bourgoin-Jallieu (National 3), accentuated the criticism. In Ligue 1, the insipid draw against Toulouse (0-0) only added to the frustration. Sage, once praised for his tactical vision and human management, today appears to be at the end of his rope.

According to consistent sources, Paulo Fonseca is now the favorite to succeed Pierre Sage. The Portuguese coach, who worked for LOSC and was recently sacked by AC Milan, was reportedly approached by John Textor. The owner of OL would have even started discussions with Fonseca before appointing Sage, proof that his initial choice was still subject to reservation.

Fonseca, known for his ability to turn around teams in difficulty, represents an attractive choice. He has already left a great impression in Ligue 1 with Lille, where his offensive play and his management of young talents had made an impression. However, convincing the technician to take on such a challenge will not be easy.

Lyon's uncertainties

OL is going through an unprecedented crisis. The threat of administrative demotion hangs over the club due to its disastrous finances. The weight of the potential sanctions from the DNCG is worrying, and this could slow down a coach like Fonseca, who would demand sporting and financial guarantees before committing.

The Portuguese has already rejected a lucrative offer from Botafogo, another club under the leadership of Textor, but he remains attentive to the situation in Lyon. A return to Ligue 1 could interest him, provided that OL provides him with a stable framework in which to work.

An imminent decision

Lyon management would have given Sage a final chance to turn things around. The next two matches, against Fenerbahçe in the Europa League and Nantes in Ligue 1, will be decisive. In the event of poor performance, his future could be sealed at the end of the week.

For OL supporters, accustomed to the roller coaster in recent seasons, uncertainty remains. Between hesitant management and sluggish results, the arrival of a technician like Fonseca could give new impetus. But at what cost?