The French coach left Lens after a successful season, but the circumstances surrounding his exit became a source of controversy. Comments he made in media appearances shortly after the cup final raised doubts about his future, creating the impression that he was already considering leaving the club.
Sage eventually moved to Crystal Palace, bringing his time at Lens to an end after just one season. Speaking to Ligue 1+, he reflected on how his communication contributed to the tensions surrounding that decision.
Asked what he would change, the 47-year-old said he should have taken greater care during his media appearances in the days following the final.
“Yes, I would have managed my appearances better on the days after the Coupe de France final, across the three media outlets I spoke to,” Sage admitted.
He explained that he had initially intended to discuss the achievement the team had shared, rather than invite speculation about his own future.
“I was questioned on subjects I had not prepared for, about the possibility that I was leaving, when I simply wanted to talk about the wonderful experience we had all just lived together,” he said.
Sage acknowledged that the way those interviews unfolded had put positive aspects of his time at Lens at risk. The club’s cup triumph had been a major achievement, but the subsequent uncertainty surrounding his position complicated the celebrations and his relationship with some supporters.
“It is a learning experience, but it is also a negative experience because it puts very positive things at risk,” he added.
The coach also recognised that his departure had left some Lens fans feeling let down. Rather than dismissing their reaction, he said he understood the bitterness caused by the way events had played out.
“I completely understand the bitterness of the Lens supporters,” Sage said.
His comments amount to an admission that the situation could have been handled more carefully, even if his intention after the final had been to celebrate the team's success.
Sage has since taken charge at Crystal Palace, beginning a new chapter in English football. His latest reflections show that the end of his Lens tenure remains a source of regret, particularly because the controversy overshadowed some of the most positive moments of his time with the club.