QPR manager search takes twist as Pierre Sage drops major hint | OneFootball

Former Lyon coach speaks of Championship dream amid links to Loftus Road vacancy

Queens Park Rangers’ ongoing search for a new manager has taken a potentially significant twist following public comments from Pierre Sage.

The former Olympique Lyonnais boss has expressed a strong desire to manage in the Championship.

Sage, who led Lyon to an extraordinary mid-season revival before his dismissal in January, has emerged as a serious contender for the vacant post at Loftus Road.

His latest remarks in an interview with The Athletic suggest England’s second tier is very much on his radar - a timely revelation as QPR look to rebuild after severing ties with Marti Cifuentes.

QPR-linked Pierre Sage: "My dream is to work in England"

Speaking candidly following his departure from Lyon, Sage underlined his ambition to test himself in the English game.

“I’m now ready for a new project,” he told The Athletic.

“I want to begin next season either in France or elsewhere in Europe, ideally in the big five [leagues]. My dream is to work in England because I think it’s the best country and the best league. The Championship is a good league too.”

Sage’s comments will come as encouragement for the QPR hierarchy, who have placed Cifuentes on gardening leave.

The French coach, still just 44, added that he views his next role as a defining moment in his managerial career: “My second job will perhaps be the most important. I think it was Jose Mourinho who said you become a coach when you are fired the first time.”

Despite being relieved of his duties after a shock Coupe de France defeat to Bourgoin-Jallieu, Sage left Lyon in an undeniably stronger position.

When he took interim charge in November 2023, the club were bottom of Ligue 1. Under his stewardship, they surged to a sixth-place finish and reached a domestic cup final.

Reflecting on his sacking, Sage maintained a tone of respect:

“The decision was a market opportunity for the owner. The name of Paulo Fonseca against the name Pierre Sage gave him more guarantees to maybe find a new investor... But I have a lot of respect for the owner because he gave me my chance.”

Pierre Sage would fit the managerial profile at Loftus Road

With Jason Tindall ruling himself out of the running and QPR’s interim setup only a short-term solution, Sage’s availability and Championship interest present an intriguing proposition.

The West London club, who have once again endured an inconsistent campaign, appear to be seeking another progressive appointment to restore identity and ambition.

Sage, whose modern methods and ability to galvanise struggling squads were evident during his brief but impactful tenure at Lyon, could represent the kind of calculated gamble QPR need.

His emphasis on development - informed by years in Lyon’s academy - would align with the Hoops' own drive toward youth and sustainability.

QPR chief executive Christian Nourry has acknowledged fan frustration and promised swift action to prepare for the 2025/26 campaign.

Appointing a coach like Sage, who seemingly sees the Championship as a meaningful destination rather than a stepping stone, could be a statement of intent.

Whether the club acts on this alignment remains to be seen, but if ambition, tactical clarity and potential are the metrics, Pierre Sage might just fit the QPR mould.