Pierre Sage Discusses Fostering Rayan Cherki’s Exceptional Abilities at Lyon
As Rayan Cherki, the 19-year-old French sensation, continues to make a significant impact in European football, his former manager Pierre Sage recently shared his experiences in cultivating the young talent’s potential. In an exclusive interview, Sage offered valuable insights into his approach to developing Cherki’s skills during their time together at Lyon.
Sage emphasized his primary goal: “My objective was to help Rayan evolve into the player he is now and unlock his full potential.” The coach’s strategy initially focused on gradually building Cherki’s confidence. Instead of immediately placing him in the starting lineup, Sage would introduce Cherki as a substitute late in matches, giving him simple instructions to attack freely and express himself on the field.
“I made the decision to bring him on towards the end of games when his sole focus would be on attacking and playing without restrictions,” Sage explained. This tactical approach proved successful on several occasions, with a particularly memorable moment occurring during a crucial match last March.
Recalling a game against Toulouse, Sage described a pivotal interaction with Cherki: “We were trailing 2-1. I looked at him and asked, ‘Are you frustrated? Are you feeling the pressure to perform?’ His eyes reflected a fierce determination. I sensed he might have a breakthrough performance that day.” Sage’s intuition proved correct, as Cherki’s impact led to a 3-2 victory for Lyon.
Reflecting on Cherki’s current form, Sage expressed pride in the player’s consistent excellence: “We can now see the remarkable player he has become. It’s gratifying to witness, as many players can perform at their peak for a few games, but Rayan consistently ranks among the best in various statistical categories across Europe. He possesses truly exceptional qualities.”
As Cherki continues to shine on the European stage, Sage’s early guidance and strategic development approach have undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping the young Frenchman’s promising career.