Pierre Sage, the former coach of Olympique Lyonnais, has opened up about his dismissal from the club and his aspirations for the future, including his strong belief he will one day return to coach the team he loves.
After being let go on January 28, following disappointing results and the club's struggles during the early part of 2025, Sage reflects on the events leading up to his departure and his feelings toward the current direction of OL.
"I am domiciled in Lyon and plan to stay. This is my city, and when I am going to work elsewhere, I will always come back here between my contracts. I will never sell the house I am buying here for one good reason: I know one day I will return to coach OL," Sage told L'Équipe.
The former coach was dismissed after several unsatisfactory performances, including being eliminated by FC Bourgoin-Jallieu in the Coupe de France, which marked the beginning of the end for his tenure at the helm. He expressed no bitterness toward the club's management, even as the circumstances surrounding his exit raised eyebrows.
"No, not at all. I just needed to digest the thing. And to understand there was a market opportunity for him which was not favorable for me. I understand, I respect it, even if I don’t accept it," he stated. Sage's level-headedness concerning the decision reflects his acknowledgment of the business side of sports, recognizing the dynamics at play beyond just the results on the field.
During his time at OL, Sage has left an imprint, guiding the club through tumultuous periods and also achieving notable victories. His appointment was celebrated, as he was seen as the coach who could reinvigorate OL's ambitions following his previous success as interim coach.
Sage noted, "They gave me no specific justification, but I didn't need one, I read between the lines," emphasizing the somewhat abrupt nature of his dismissal but also asserting he understood the decision's necessity amid the changing tides of football management.
The former coach has not ruled out future offers and has stated, "Yeah, I've had several offers, but I first needed to take stock of what I've just experienced. And if I must respond to offers, it's to find something suitable, aligning with what I've lived through. That's why I've turned down quite a few things lately. Now, it's evident I want to coach because I miss it."
His competitive spirit remains intact, insisting he has much left to contribute at the top levels of football. Even though he's taken on the role of analyzing OL's games from afar, he acknowledges the void vacancies left by coaching has created for him.
Despite the transition and challenges faced, Sage's optimism shines through as he roots for the club he holds dear. He hopes to prove his capability once more to return to coaching at OL, drawing support from the local fanbase who remain grateful for his contributions as they resonate with his message, indicating his desire to be back on the pitch with them someday.
Significantly, it is clear Sage does not view this as the end of his relationship with OL. There is mutual respect, and his connections within the club remain intact as he expresses no ill feelings toward John Textor, the current president. The duo even encountered each other recently, showcasing the amicable nature of their separation.
Sage's belief remains resolute: "I know one day I will return to coach OL." It is this kind of passionate commitment and dedication to the club and its supporters that's bound to keep the conversation about his future alive. For now, the footballing world awaits to see what challenge he will choose as he embarks on his next professional endeavor, with Lyon forever remaining close to his heart.