Cifuentes’ return to the role is uncertain due to a reported disagreement with CEO Christian Nourry. Several names have been mentioned as possible replacements for the Catalan coach, including former Lyon manager Pierre Sage.

The 46-year-old was fired by the French club at the end of January after being given the position on a permanent basis after being appointed interim manager in October 2023. Lyon were at the bottom of Ligue 1 when Sage took over, and he oversaw an incredible turnaround that helped the club finish sixth and qualify for the Europa League. The team also advanced to the final of the Coupe de France, where they were defeated 2-1 by Paris Saint Germain.

Pierre Sage is the frontrunner for the QPR role.

 

A poor run of results in January this year, including a cup exit against amateur side Bourgoin-Jallieu, prompted Lyon owner John Textor to fire Sage. The manager was replaced by Paulo Fonseca.

Sage began his career at Lyon in the youth system and has built a reputation for developing young stars, none more so than attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki. The 21-year-old is a product of Lyon’s youth academy and has thrived under Sage.

According to Breaking The Lines, Cherki is known for his technical abilities and ‘exceptional range of passing’. His awareness and vision are also praised, as are his ball handling abilities and versatility.

Sage discussed the player’s development with The Athletic, stating that his goal was to help him reach his full potential.

He recalled one away match at Toulouse last season, saying, “Toulouse were winning 2-1.” I looked at him [on the bench] and asked, “Are you angry?” Are you nervous? But not nervous when you can’t do anything; nervous to fight.

“He looked at me with tiger’s eyes. I reasoned, ‘Maybe he’ll be fine today’. He was insane. It was a Cherki game. We won 3–2.”

Cherki nearly left the club last summer, but instead extended his stay with a new contract, committing his future to the club until 2027. Sage stated, “When he returned, I told him, ‘Now this is something you have to incorporate into the entire game. So you have to attack, press with the team, strike a balance between the two, and remain the player you were.

“We see the player he is today. I’m pleased because any player can perform well for three games, but Rayan ranks among the best in Europe in every statistic. “He has something very special.”

Rayan Cherki’s success story can inspire former Spurs players. Kieran Morgan

Sage should be proud of Cherki’s development, which has been valued at £20 million by ManchesterWorld. Should he get the QPR job, it could be especially important for youngster Kieran Morgan.

The 19-year-old was signed to the QPR Development Squad last summer after leaving Tottenham Hotspur as a free agent. Morgan was quickly promoted to the senior team and contributed significantly to an underwhelming season at Loftus Road, playing 1,613 minutes.

Sage has a promising future, and with some early shared skills with Cherki, he could transform Morgan into a monster by carrying out whatever progress plan he devised with the Frenchman.

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