Pierre Sage’s announcements on Thiago Almada and Nemanja Matic

Before facing Stade Brestois on Saturday at 5 p.m. in Ligue 1, Duje Caleta-Car presented himself to the media. The Croatian defender, who admitted to wanting to play many more matches under the Lyon colors, was invited to speak on the subject of the moment: the winter transfer market. And the response from the former Olympique de Marseille player was rather clear: “It’s not up to the players to worry about the transfer window. Our job is to play on the field. The club managers make the decisions, and we trust them to do what is best for the team. Even if the context is not obvious, we believe in the institution and its choices.”

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Pierre Sage gives a transfer window

Pierre Sage, who succeeded him in front of the journalists, then inherited the hot potato. And unlike his player, he couldn’t really dodge the many questions about the transfer window. It all started with an update concerning Paul Akouokou, Wilfried Zaha and Mahamadou Diawara. These three elements, who we know are potentially leaving, trained away from the group this Thursday morning. But that has nothing to do with their situation and their future according to the OL coach. “They were a little sick, it was a recovery session”he explained. Then, he spoke about the atmosphere reigning in his group during this particular period, specifying in passing that he is listening to dissatisfied players.

“I feel a much more positive climate than last August. The players are focused on the important deadlines that await us. I don’t see any signs of players training with the idea of ​​leaving. In August, these signals were noticeable, but this is not the case. If players wish to speak to me about their situation, I am available. My role remains above all focused on the game, the pitch and their behavior. Concerning their career, there are people at the club better placed than me to advise them. Despite everything, he has an opinion on the hot issues of the moment, in particular that concerning Nemanja Matic (36 years old).

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The Matic and Thiago Almada cases on the menu

A few days ago, the Italian press indicated that Napoli, Fiorentina and Como had checked his name. We also revealed to you on our site that Ipswich Town have an eye on the Serbian, who is not necessarily for a departure this winter. What Pierre Sage confirmed this Thursday. “He’s a very important player, we don’t want him to leave, that’s not the club’s strategy and I think it’s not his either.” The French technician also mentioned the future arrival of Thiago Almada. Yesterday, our colleagues from The Team have indicated that the Botafogo player, who would arrive in the form of a free loan, will arrive in Lyon on Friday.

Sage more or less confirmed the news. “He is expected potentially in the next few hours. However, until nothing is official, there is no point in talking about it. If his arrival materializes, we will work to balance the squad accordingly. In other words, OL will move forward with its downsizing. It’s no secret, with or without the arrival of Thiago Almada, the residents of Groupama Stadium hope to part ways with a few players while they are marked in the pants by the DNCG. But all this does not worry Pierre Sage. “We don’t talk much about it (the DNCG, editor’s note). We trust and support leaders. I never have certainty about the decisions of the organizations, but we will take responsibility for the decisions, as we have always done. Despite everything, this has an impact on the work of Pierre Sage, who knows that certain threats exist…