Pierre Sage reveals his truths about OL's struggles and the transfer window

During this month of November, Pierre Sage imagined himself living a relatively peaceful truce. Especially since his team finished in style with a 1-0 victory during the famous derby against AS Saint-Étienne. But the French technician quickly understood that the calm would be short-lived for him. Last Friday, the DNCG decided to hit hard on the fingers of Olympique Lyonnais. If John Textor was very confident after his hearing, the financial policeman of French Football announced strong sanctions since a demotion as a precautionary measure and a ban on recruiting during the next transfer window were pronounced. A real blow for the residents of Groupama Stadium.

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Pierre Sage discusses OL's concerns

Still stunned, the Rhone club discussed its situation the next day at a press conference. John Textor, who put the DNCG in charge, said: “OL is not a club in danger. We will save cash with the sale of Crystal Palace. Debts can also be paid elsewhere, in other Eagle Football Group subsidiaries. We have asset and player sales, we think our plan is going to work. As a global organization, we have many tools to address the situation.” The Eagle Football boss also admitted that Botafogo would “having to replenish OL’s coffers.” All this news is likely to impact the next transfer window of Les Gones.

Several departures could occur from Lyon. The names of Rayan Cherki, whose minimum starting price is estimated at €30 million according to our information, Malick Fofana, Gift Orban and even Ernest Nuamah are mentioned here and there. Pierre Sage is well aware of this. The French technician spoke on the subject this Thursday at a press conference. His words are relayed by Olympic-and-Lyonnais. “There is information that has been given to the players on this subject with very accessible words, because the economy is often very technical. As long as it was very clear and accepted by all of our management in front of us, it had no impact on our sessions. On the contrary, I even found that there was a fairly pronounced desire to return to competition.”

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Departures expected as planned

Then he was asked about the threats hovering over the club. “The only thing that is important to do is to achieve our sporting goals. Sanctions are sanctions, so in all cases, our line remains the same, namely that of a club that wants to be ambitious. This is what we have shown since the start of the season and what we want to continue to show. He then spoke about the next transfer window and future sales. “Which is normal given the depth of the squad we had. It is necessary to reduce the workforce. It doesn't necessarily change the plan. The idea is to do it in good intelligence, while maintaining the balance of possibilities and positions that we have today. There are sectors which are overloaded, others where we are limited. The important thing is to respond sportingly to this idea. So yes, I am consulted.

Sage isn't that worried. “I never have any problems with that, because a player can always be injured or suspended. There is a player who took seven games recently, so it is very long and we have to see in what state of mind he comes back. We must always act with the resources we have at our disposal and ensure that they are in the best possible condition. I don’t really have any fear about that.” Also present in front of the press, Nemanja Matic confided: “as players, we are focused on our goals and our job. We want to make our supporters happy. We only think about being together and we don't worry about the rest and what's around. We talked a little about the situation with management but our role is to play and stay focused on our work. This is the best way to do it. We get paid to play and represent our club. We have confidence in our management and we don't have to think about these issues off the field. For us the next step is the next match.” The transfer window and the club’s worries will wait…