Pierre Sage has acknowledged that he could have managed his public messaging better after leaving RC Lens, admitting that his comments following the club’s Coupe de France victory created unnecessary uncertainty around his future.
The current Crystal Palace head coach discussed the episode in an interview with Ligue 1+ around Lens’ meeting with Lyon. Sage explained that he had intended to celebrate the team’s shared achievement, but was instead questioned about the possibility of him departing.
Looking back, Sage said he should have prepared more carefully for the media appearances held in the days after the final. He felt he was confronted with issues he had not expected, particularly questions suggesting that he might be on his way out.
Sage described the experience as a lesson, but also acknowledged its damaging consequences. In his view, the controversy put positive work at risk, while he said he fully understood the frustration felt by Lens supporters towards him.
Sage’s departure has since been followed by further change at Lens. His successor, Dino Toppmöller, has already left the club, with Yannick Cahuzac taking over.
