“We are all affected”, Lacazette’s message of support to Sage in the face of rumors of eviction

Alexandre Lacazette, captain and striker of OL, gave his support to his coach Pierre Sage, targeted by rumors of a possible ouster.

OL snatched a draw at Fenerbahce (0-0) on Thursday in the Europa League in a strange context. Since the disappointing result against Toulouse (0-0) last week, rumors have emerged about a possible ousting of Pierre Sage by club owner and president John Textor. Alexandre Lacazette gave his support to the coach on Thursday, ensuring that these noises had affected the squad.

“We are behind him”

“That’s what is said in the press, but we know that everything is not always true,” said the striker. “As players, we are behind the coach, we always want to play well, to win. He trusts his entire group. Tonight's attitude shows that we are behind him and that we are not giving up. nothing. I think all the players were affected by what was said. Everything that is said in the press does not reflect what is happening in the group.

The French international (16 caps, 3 goals) brushes aside the idea of ​​a sporting crisis. “It’s you who’s giving us the crisis,” he whispers. “As soon as we have one or two defeats and the game is less good, everything immediately goes wrong in Lyon. But in terms of the ranking, we are not giving up and in the group, we are united among ourselves. So no , there is no crisis.”

Clinton Mata, Lyon defender, is on the same wavelength even if he assures that this situation does not impact him. “We are focused on our job, on the ground, that’s what we do best,” he declared. “You can't control everything that is said. Everything that happens outside is beyond our reach. Pierre Sage is still our coach, and we will give 200% for him. There are rumors about a change of coach, it has no impact on my football. Me and the team, we give 100% to get results because we are all in it. same boat. We must assume our responsibilities. as players.”

He concludes with a big tackle to the press which he considers versatile. “The journalists were there, shooting us, and today, you're giving a completely different speech. It's crazy, huh.”