Pierre Sage has been named Ligue 1's best coach for the 2023-24 season at the UNFP Trophies, beating out Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique – recently voted the world's best coach – and other top managers. The award caps a remarkable rise for the 45-year-old Frenchman, who took over as Olympique Lyonnais head coach last October and guided the club from the relegation zone to a sixth-place finish and a European berth.
“What do you feel being elected best coach in Ligue 1 ahead of Luis Enrique, who was named the world's best coach? That he should have won (laughs),” Sage said. “Today, there is a lot of pride, because we did a lot with little, and it values the work of our staff and all the buy-in from the players, their performances.”
Sage's victory is especially noteworthy given his relatively short top-flight resume. Since taking charge of Lyon on an interim basis in September, he has overseen just 93 professional matches. “It's a reward that comes very quickly, because I am a young Ligue 1 coach with less than 100 matches coached as a pro,” he noted. “I wish myself, as I wish all my colleagues, to live many, many more very positive things in their careers.”
The UNFP (National Union of Professional Footballers) awards are among the most prestigious in French football, voted on by players across the league. Sage's triumph reflects not only Lyon's dramatic turnaround but also the respect he has earned within the dressing room. Under his leadership, Lyon won 17 of their final 26 league matches, climbing from 18th to 6th.
For Sage, the honour carries added significance as a French coach recognized in his home country. “Being French, carrying this trophy in my country, is a great pride,” he said. “But I am a French coach who trained in France and also abroad, so it's a valorization of the work, but an international curriculum.” Sage spent several years coaching youth teams in Canada and held roles with the French federation before joining Lyon's academy.
The award also highlights Lyon's resurgence under Sage after a turbulent start. The club had parted ways with Laurent Blanc in September, and Sage was initially named interim coach. His calm demeanor and tactical flexibility quickly won over the squad, leading to a permanent appointment in November. The run of form that followed included a 10-match unbeaten streak and a victory over PSG.
Despite the accolades, Sage acknowledges the challenge ahead. “Next season will be even more difficult, but it will be thrilling,” he predicted. With Lyon set to compete in the Europa League, Sage will need to maintain squad cohesion while possibly dealing with departures of key players. The club's ambition to return to the Champions League adds pressure.
Sage's ascent resonates beyond Lyon. His journey from youth coach to Ligue 1's best manager offers a blueprint for development-focused clubs. “From the moment you are passionate, committed daily, and clubs trust you, you want it to continue and above all to continue to develop,” he said.
The UNFP ceremony also honored other standout performers, with Kylian Mbappé named player of the year and Warren Zaïre-Emery taking young player honors. But Sage's story was the most surprising, a testament to the impact of a coach who “did a lot with little.”
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.