After the draw conceded to Hoffenheim (2-2) Thursday in the Europa League, Pierre Sage explained his large turnover in Germany. The Olympique Lyonnais coach wanted to spare his staff for the derby against AS Saint-Etienne on Sunday, at the risk of losing points on the European scene.
For Pierre Sage, the scenario is “ both cruel and unacceptable “. The Olympique Lyonnais coach does not understand how his team was able to concede a draw to Hoffenheim in this completely crazy added time. What if the technician was himself responsible for this poor performance? Two weeks after the home defeat against Besiktas (0-1), the Gones coach took the risk of fielding a largely overhauled eleven in Germany.
Alexandre Lacazette, Rayan Cherki, Malick Fofana, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Corentin Tolisso… None of these usual starters started the match on the 4th day of the Europa League. We had to wait until the hour mark to see the first four players come into play and change the face of the team. This was also the plan assumed by Pierre Sage. Before the derby at Groupama Stadium on Sunday evening, the Lyon coach wanted to rest his managers to face AS Saint-Etienne in the best conditions.
Wise under pressure
« These changes are with the idea of preparing our match on Sunday by ensuring that our players can continue in 72 hoursPierre Sage justified himself to the media. In this sense, I could only give them, in my opinion, half an hour so that they are in a state of maximum freshness on Sunday and so that we can compete in our derby with maximum resources available. » After these two points lost, only victory will be accepted against the rival from Saint-Etienne. Any other result would put Pierre Sage in a delicate position, knowing that Lyon remains on four consecutive games without a victory in all competitions.
