Crystal Palace’s UEFA Europa League opponents Lyon are relishing the prospect of welcoming Pierre Sage back to Parc OL for tonight’s meeting. Sage took charge of the French club in November 2023 and guided them from the bottom of Ligue 1 to 15 wins in their next 20 league matches, Europa League qualification and the 2023/24 Coupe de France final before leaving in January 2025.
Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca, who has previously been linked with the Palace job, said he enjoys facing teams coached by Sage because of the tactical challenge. The Portuguese believes Palace’s approach has similarities with the style Sage used at Lens, while acknowledging the Eagles’ quality, intensity and physical strength as a Premier League side.
Fonseca also said the contest should not be compared with Lyon’s meeting against Palace in the final round of Ligue 1 last season, pointing out that the teams now contain different players. Lyon have won three of their opening six league matches in 2026/27, although they suffered their first defeat of the campaign against Lens at the weekend.
Former Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton is also looking forward to testing himself against Palace. The England youth international, who joined Lyon in summer 2025, admitted his performance against Lens was below his own standards but said he is keen to respond in the Europa League fixture against a team he considers very strong.
Morton added that Sage remains well liked at Lyon and said the connection between the Palace manager and his former club would provide extra motivation for the hosts. Nevertheless, he stressed that Lyon’s objective is unchanged: to win the match.
