Pierre Sage brutally sacked by Lyon as Ligue 1 giants reach 'verbal agreement' for new manager

The former Gones academy boss stepped into the hotseat in November 2023, initially taking over on an interim basis following the sacking of his predecessor Fabio Grosso.

Sage was appointed with Lyon sat at the bottom of the Ligue 1 table, but he masterminded a magnificent resurgence in the second half of the campaign, which saw Les Gones finish sixth in the 2023-24 season and qualify for the Europa League.

Sage also led Lyon to the final of the Coupe de France - where they were beaten 2-1 by Paris Saint-Germain - and the seven-time French champions have also enjoyed a largely positive 2024-25 campaign.

Lyon currently sit sixth in the Ligue 1 table and fifth in the Europa League league phase standings - ensuring at least a playoff spot - but they suffered a shock Coupe de France exit at the hands of FC Bourgoin-Jallieu earlier this month.

That result was the second game in a current five-match winless sequence for Les Gones, who have given Sage and his coaching team the boot following the weekend's 1-1 top-flight draw with Nantes.

A short, sharp statement from the French giants read: "Olympique Lyonnais has been compelled to suspend coach Pierre Sage and staff members Jamal Alioui, Rui Lemos, Denis Valour and Remy Vercoutre, pending a decision in the next few days.

"This sporting decision, made in the current context of the 2024 - 2025 season, does not call into question the tremendous work carried out at the beginning of 2024, for which Olympique Lyonnais will always be grateful to Pierre Sage and his team."

Who is in line to replace Sage as Lyon manager?

Sage's sacking - which seems both unjust and brutal given that Lyon only felt compelled to issue a 73-word statement - sees the 45-year-old depart with a record of 33 wins, nine draws and 14 defeats from 56 games in charge.

Les Gones have apparently wasted no time in seeking out an ideal successor, as Fabrizio Romano reports that a verbal agreement has already been reached with ex-Lille and AC Milan boss Paulo Fonseca.

The 51-year-old was fired from his position at San Siro in December, although Romano adds that he still has to terminate his contract with Milan before he can be officially sworn in as Les Gones' new boss.

Lyon will endeavour to seal a direct route into the last 16 of the Europa League against Ludogorets on Thursday, before travelling to Marseille in Sunday's fiery Ligue 1 derby.

Written by

Ben Knapton