Yahoo Sports Pierre Sage outlines Lyon’s ambitions
Olympique Lyonnais’ season was set to be a disaster prior to Pierre Sage’s arrival on the touchline at the Groupama Stadium in December. At the time, Lyon were bottom of Ligue 1, on their third manager of the season, and on course for a shock relegation to Ligue 2.
However, Sage sparked an extraordinary revival. Even as recently as February, Lyon were in the relegation zone, however, by May, they were in the European places and in the final of the Coupe de France. Whilst OL ultimately lost that CdF final, against Paris Saint-Germain, the club nonetheless did the unthinkable and qualified for next season’s UEFA Europa League.
Sage was rewarded for the incredible feat with a two-year deal, whilst in the meantime, he has also completed his coaching badges. An entirely new challenge awaits Sage next season. Due to his achievement, there are now expectations, and speaking at a press conference on Thursday, he recognised that.
Lyon ‘need to challenge PSG’ – O’Brien
“We need to back up the second part of our season by starting the league season positively, by asserting our level in Europe and by being present in the Coupe de France and why not do better than last year in the Coupe de France. The hard part for me starts now in the sense that there are now expectations of me but that isn’t a problem. We need to work well and play well and ensure that the team is at a high level to live up to expectations. I am aware, given my pathway, what the rules of the game are and they are the same for all managers in France,” he said.
Expectations will indeed be heightened. In the second half of the Ligue 1 season, Lyon picked up more points than eventual champions PSG. In view of that, Jake O’Brien told Get French Football News that the project should be to challenge Les Parisiens.
“I think long-term, we have to push because it’s a very historical club and we need to be winning titles. I think we need to push higher and challenge PSG – that’s very important,” said the Irishman prior to Lyon’s Coupe de France defeat at the hands of PSG.
