
John Textor (foto: Getty Images)
Lyon owner John Textor has revealed why he dismissed Pierre Sage despite the manager leading the club to Europa League qualification last season.
Olympique Lyonnais owner John Textor has shed light on his controversial decision to sack Pierre Sage, despite the coach’s remarkable turnaround last season that saw Lyon climb from the relegation zone to Europa League qualification.
Sage, who oversaw Lyon’s best second-half record in Ligue 1, even outpacing eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain, was dismissed after a run of three consecutive draws against Toulouse, Fenerbahçe, and Nantes.
While the decision faced initial resistance, Textor explained in an interview with Canal Plus that his ambition for Champions League football ultimately forced his hand.
“I asked my football staff: ‘Should we make a move on the coach right now?’ They said, ‘No, it’s crazy, it’s too risky.’ So I asked, ‘Do you think we can make the Champions League with this coach?’ They said no. Then I asked, ‘Do you want to give up on that ambition?’ They said, ‘Of course not.’ So I asked again: ‘Should we make a move on the coach?’ And this time, they all said yes,” Textor revealed.
Sage was swiftly replaced by Paulo Fonseca, who had recently been dismissed by AC Milan. Fonseca was in the stands for Lyon’s Europa League draw against Ludogorets before taking charge of his first game—a 3-2 loss to rivals Olympique de Marseille, sealed by a late Luis Henrique goal.
With Lyon’s European ambitions hanging in the balance, the club now looks to Fonseca to deliver the consistency Textor believes Sage could not provide.