Rayan Cherki has described Pierre Sage as a 'genius' and a 'tactical mastermind' as the RC Lens boss emerges as a candidate to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool. The Reds parted ways with Slot after a fifth-place Premier League finish, despite winning the title in his first season.
Sage, 47, led Lens to their first Coupe de France and a runners-up spot in Ligue 1, securing Champions League football. He is reportedly on Liverpool's shortlist alongside Andoni Iraola and Sebastian Hoeness.
Cherki, now at Manchester City, worked with Sage at Lyon and praised his man-management. 'He brought back the serenity we needed,' Cherki told L'Equipe. 'He knows how to talk to players, he understands how we feel. With him, there is no pretending. He gives us freedom while establishing a very clear framework.'
The playmaker also highlighted Sage's tactical acumen. 'People forget just how much of a tactical genius he is. Every match is prepared down to the millimetre. We know exactly where the spaces are, what we have to do with the ball. He makes football simpler for us,' Cherki told Le Progrès.
Iraola, however, is understood to be the leading candidate after leaving Bournemouth, with Liverpool leading talks. Sage has previously described managing Liverpool as a 'dream'.
