Crystal Palace were beaten 3-2 by Lyon after the French side adapted to the absence of Loïs Openda, who is injured around the fibula and expected to be unavailable for several weeks.
With Openda missing, Paulo Fonseca selected 19-year-old attacking midfielder Khalis Merah as a false nine. The decision paid off, with Merah involved in Lyon’s second goal shortly before half-time.
After the match, Pierre Sage congratulated Merah for his performance. Sage highlighted the youngster’s intelligence and explained that his task was to draw Axel Disasi out of position and create space for Lyon’s other players.
Sage also praised Merah’s maturity, despite the player being born in 2007. He said he had known and coached the youngster since he was 14 and remained close to his family, adding to the significance of the commendation after Palace’s defeat.
