After regaining the top spot in the league following their victory in Auxerre, RC Lens coach Pierre Sage didn’t shy away from comparisons with Paris Saint-Germain. Responding to Luis Enrique’s comments, the Lens manager acknowledged, after the win, the pressure and power struggles that have taken hold at the top of Ligue 1.
Sage: “It’s very easy to play on Fridays when you win because you can watch the matches calmly.”
“Luis Enrique said after winning in Auxerre that he was putting pressure on Lens, so we, indeed, are also putting pressure on PSG. It’s very easy to play on Fridays when you win because you can watch the matches calmly, and they play with that in mind. We are still focused on achieving our target number of points to qualify for Europe. We are two wins away from that objective. Reclaiming first place this Friday is a positive thing, but what will count in the end is the points tally.”
Sage: “We’re lucky to have this status.”
“If we’re equipped, yes. When we’re being chased, we have to run fast, but it simply depends on our resources. From a psychological point of view, I think it’s exactly the same. When our opponents face us as the league leaders or second-placed teams, they always have the desire to beat a top team. We’re lucky to have this status. I don’t think we’re competing with PSG in the long term; we’re simply focused on building something very positive for ourselves, and we realize, from the way we played tonight, that there’s still room for improvement.”
In his statements, Pierre Sage isn’t exaggerating, but he’s not dodging the issue either. By mentioning the pressure on Paris Saint-Germain, the Lens coach fully accepts the idea of a duel, even a temporary one. It’s a conscious decision, it’s direct, and above all, it’s healthy. Lens doesn’t pretend to be a long-term rival of Paris, but it’s asserting its current status and position. And why not more?
This stance is beneficial for everyone. For Lens, it validates the work accomplished and lends credibility to its European ambitions. For PSG, it serves as a reminder that leadership is defended every week. And for Ligue 1, it’s a real win: a league where roles are clearly defined, where coaches also play the psychological game. Sage is playing along, without excess, without boasting. Fair enough. And above all, good for the spectacle.
