Why Pierre Sage was not contacted to replace Paulo Fonseca at Lyon

Fonseca leaves for Sporting Portugal; Carlos Vicens, recently sacked by Braga, is the leading candidate to replace him, while Pierre Sage remains at Crystal Palace.

Paulo Fonseca is departing Olympique Lyonnais mid-season to join Sporting Portugal, where he will replace Rui Borges. The move will net Lyon €5 million in compensation and approximately €2.8 million in salary savings.

Lyon's leadership is now searching for a successor capable of maintaining continuity with Fonseca's work while introducing fresh ideas. Spanish coach Carlos Vicens, 43, is the frontrunner. Recently dismissed by Braga after just over a year in charge, Vicens has experience with Manchester City's youth academy and has been endorsed by Pep Guardiola.

Pierre Sage, Lyon's former academy director and head coach who has expressed his love for the club, was considered a possibility given his current struggles at Crystal Palace (18th in the Premier League). However, Sage has not been contacted by Lyon because he remains under contract with the London club until 2029, and no approach has been made to negotiate his departure.