Coach Pierre Sage revives Lyon – Winnipeg Free Press

LYON, France (AP) — Three months ago, the name Pierre Sage didn't ring a bell with soccer fans in France.

This is thanks to an excellent start to his managerial career in the French top flight.

Sage took over at Lyon in late November following the sacking of two well-regarded coaches, Laurent Blanc and Fabio Grosso. At the time, the seven-time champions of France were bottom of the league with just one win in 12 matches.

A former amateur player, Sage spent most of his coaching career in the shadows. He returned to Lyon as the club's academy director last summer after being an assistant at second-division club Red Star. Sage, thrust into the limelight after Grosso's departure, exceeded expectations and lifted Lyon out of the relegation zone.

Ahead of Sunday's trip to Montpellier, Lyon secured their seventh win in nine matches in all competitions against Lille in midweek in the French Cup. Sage made several changes and his coaching decisions went against the northern side. Ryan Cherky was given the starting role and answered the call with a goal and an assist.

The win followed a 1-0 loss to Marseille last week.

“It's good to put two good matches together in front of our fans and cheer them on,” Sage said. “I try to make decisions by being honest, by being true to values.”

Saj was widely recognized by his players for his newfound defensive stability and the aggressive style of play the team developed in less than three months. Lyon rewarded Sage's experience by removing the “intermediate” designation from his role.

“The coach deserves to stay with us because of the very good atmosphere he has created,” defender Duje Kaleta-Kar said.