Last Wednesday night, the Lyon dressing room was filled with an unfamiliar air of joy and celebration. After a string of poor performances and disappointing results, Lyon had finally managed to secure a victory against fellow strugglers Nantes, ending the year on a high note. While the 1-0 win may seem insignificant, it marked a significant milestone for Lyon. For the first time this season, they had climbed out of the relegation zone and were brimming with newfound confidence. After months of setbacks and uncertainties, Lyon had won three consecutive Ligue 1 games, sparking hope for a brighter future.
Lyon’s first triumph of the season against Stade Rennais was greeted with a sense of consolation, considering their abysmal form leading up to that moment. It was a much-needed respite from the dismal streak of losses and draws. The subsequent victories against Toulouse and Monaco brought immense relief and encouragement, respectively. However, Lyon’s fourth victory was undoubtedly the highlight of their recent resurgence. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the dismissal of veteran defender Dejan Lovren, Lyon displayed resilience and determination to secure the three points. This newfound ability to overcome obstacles has been emblematic of their progress under Pierre Sage.
In contrast to his predecessors Laurent Blanc and Fabio Grosso, Pierre Sage brings a fresh perspective to Lyon. While Blanc and Grosso both had illustrious careers as players and successful managerial tenures, Sage’s journey has been different. With no experience at the highest level of professional football, Sage’s appointment was met with skepticism. However, what he lacks in credentials, he compensates for with an in-depth understanding of the region and the club. Lyon’s fans quickly embraced him, affectionately referring to him as “Stone Wise” on social media, a nod to his name and perceived wisdom. They had witnessed his excellent work with the Lyon academy, nurturing young talent and implementing his ideas. The question remained whether Sage could replicate this success with the first team, and the initial results suggest that he can.
Sage’s introduction of a five-man defense has proven to be a masterstroke, as Lyon has kept three clean sheets in a row. Furthermore, he has fostered a sense of unity and cohesion within the squad, instilling confidence in his senior players. Alexandre Lacazette’s four goals under Sage’s guidance, along with contributions from Rayan Cherki and Maxence Caqueret, demonstrate the positive impact of Sage’s coaching style. In one of his early news conferences, Sage emphasized the importance of precise instructions, teamwork, and stability. These principles have begun to bear fruit, with Lyon finally playing as a cohesive unit rather than a collection of individuals.
Sage’s impact has not gone unnoticed within the club. According to sources, Lyon is planning to offer Sage a contract until the end of the season. This decision comes as no surprise, as Sage has earned the trust and admiration of both the players and the fans. The players are finally content, having previously expressed their frustrations with Blanc’s leadership and deemed Grosso too inexperienced. Under Sage, Lyon is once again beginning to resemble a cohesive team, though there is room for improvement. While their performances are not flawless, Lyon’s effort, unity, and recent streak of positive results indicate that they are moving in the right direction.
Prior to Sage’s arrival, Lyon’s struggles were compounded by a lack of leadership and changes in key positions within the club’s hierarchy. Owner John Textor’s decisions to replace crucial personnel and neglect institutional knowledge had dire consequences. However, the situation has improved significantly, with the recent restructuring efforts. Laurent Prud’homme has been appointed as a competent CEO, David Friio as a solid new sporting director, and club legend Juninho returning as an advisor to Textor. This revamped structure provides a solid foundation for Sage to build upon.
Lyon boasts a talented squad comprising experienced players like Lacazette, Lovren, and Corentin Tolisso, alongside promising young talents such as Cherki, Caqueret, O’Brien, Nseke, and Nuamah. With the right guiding hand, Lyon’s potential is finally being unlocked. Pierre Sage, the man affectionately known as “Stone Wise,” has breathed new life into the team, and Lyon is starting to click once again. While challenges lie ahead, Lyon’s recent progress offers hope for the future, promising an era of renewed success and stability.