Return to Lyon for Europa League match

Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage is set to travel to Lyon on Thursday for a Europa League match, marking his return to the club where he began his professional career. The match represents a personal milestone for Sage, who has spent the past two years managing in England.

Sage reflects on his time at Lyon

In an interview with AFP on Tuesday, Sage reflected on his time at Lyon, stating that his tenure helped both the club and himself. He noted, "We pulled the club out of the gutter and it pulled us out of anonymity," highlighting the mutual growth during his time there.

Emotional significance of the return

Sage was asked if he had ever dreamed of returning to Lyon as a manager of an English club after his dismissal in January 2025. He responded that he had not considered it at the time but acknowledged the emotional significance of the return. He added that he still considers himself a Lyonnais and does not view the match as a confrontation with former colleagues.

Preparation for the match

Regarding his preparations for the match, Sage said he approaches it like any other game, though he has a better understanding of Lyon due to following their progress. He noted that much has changed since he left almost two years ago, but the club, its supporters, and the city remain the same.

Sage's perspective on Lyon's recovery

Sage was asked if he felt it was unjust that he did not benefit from Lyon's recovery. He responded that he does not view it as an injustice, emphasizing that the club helped him gain recognition and that leaving was part of the job. He expressed hope for a future return to Lyon.

Career path after leaving Lyon

After leaving Lyon, Sage remained without a position for four months before joining Queens Park Rangers, though the move did not materialize. He eventually signed with Lens, where he had a successful season, winning the Coupe de France. He left Lens after a year, stating that he made the decision to join Crystal Palace after recognizing the opportunity.

Differences between English and French football

Sage noted that the Premier League differs from French football in terms of intensity, with opponents often playing aggressively. He emphasized the need to balance the Europa League campaign with competitiveness in the Premier League, aiming to improve on last season's 15th place finish and achieve the best possible run in the Europa League.