Rayan Cherki is huge fan of 'genius' coach linked with replacing Arne Slot at Liverpool
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The Anfield hierarchy parted ways with the former Feyenoord boss and has compiled a shortlist of potential successors.Current Lens manager Sage, whom Cherki knows from his spell at Lyon, is said to be among those on that shortlist, alongside the likes of Andoni Iraola and Sebastian Hoeness. The 47-year-old Frenchman led Lens to their first-ever Coupe de France triumph this term, and secured a runners-up finish in Ligue 1, earning a Champions League berth.The Anfield dressing room has been frustrated this season and following Mohamed Salah's very public falling-out with Slot, with the Liverpool legend will depart this summer.Cherki has previously credited Sage with restoring calm to a Lyon dressing room that had been in disarray under his predecessors.Speaking to L'Equipe and Prime Video Sport France about Sage during his time at Lyon, Cherki said: "The coach brought back the serenity we needed so much.
He knows how to talk to players, he understands how we feel."With him, there is no pretending. It's exactly what we needed."Man City stay Rayan Cherki worked alongside Liverpool-linked Pierre Sage during their time at Lyon.(Image: (Photo by Philippe Lecoeur/FEP/Icon Sport via Getty Images))Cherki's rapport with managers has come under the microscope throughout his career, yet in a conversation with RMC Sport, he praised Sage for extracting his finest performances.The Man City playmaker previously stated: "He knows how to push my buttons, he knows how to talk to me to get the best out of me."He gives me the keys to create on the pitch, but he also reminds me of my defensive duties.
Speaking to Le Progres, he remarked: "People forget just how much of a tactical genius he is.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. He makes football simpler for us."Former Bournemouth manager Iraola, though, is thought to be the leading candidate to succeed Slot, with the departing Cherries boss leaving the Vitality Stadium this summer following his historic achievement of securing European qualification for the club.Iraola has also held discussions with Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen, but he is believed to be keen on a move to Anfield above the other options.Liverpool.com says: Iraola and Sage are both good coaches, but coming to Anfield would be a big step up.