Pierre Sage: Lyon's stance on Crystal, former Palace manager as fans get excited

Lyon have ruled out re-signing Sage despite speculation; the Crystal, former Palace manager's future at Selhurst Park remains uncertain after a poor start to the season.

Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage's position has come under scrutiny following a difficult start to the season. The Eagles have won just two of their opening nine Premier League matches, leaving them 18th in the table and level on points with Manchester United.

Former France international Jérôme Rothen recently criticised Sage for the club's struggles, and rumours have circulated about Palace potentially parting ways with the 47-year-old.

Those reports sparked excitement among Lyon fans, who hoped Sage might return to the Ligue 1 club where he managed 56 matches between November 2023 and January 2025, winning 33 and drawing nine. Lyon's current manager Paulo Fonseca is on the verge of joining Sporting after their 2-0 win over Angers on Sunday.

However, L'Équipe reports that Lyon have ruled out bringing Sage back. The club's sporting director Matthieu Louis-Jean is searching for a new manager but Sage, still in charge at Crystal Palace and not contacted by Lyon, is not under consideration. Carlos Vicens is expected to take over at Lyon instead. Sage's future at Selhurst Park remains uncertain.