Crystal Palace have confirmed the appointment of Pierre Sage as their head coach. The 47-year-old led Lens to second in Ligue 1 and won the Coupe de France this season, becoming Palace's top choice after Andoni Iraola joined Liverpool.
Sage's Coaching Background
Sage had one season in charge of Lens and his only previous top-level head coach's role was with Lyon, where he spent 14 months until January 2025. He takes over at Palace from Oliver Glasner, the club's most successful manager, who won the FA Cup and Conference League.
Tactical Fit and Contract
Sage's preference for a system similar to that employed by Glasner is believed to have been a major factor in Palace's thinking. He has signed a three-year contract.
Sage's Ambition
Sage said: "Oliver Glasner achieved some amazing things, and now I have to do the same. That's why we come here with a lot of ambition. The dynamic here is really positive, and we are in this mindset too."
Sage coached Lens to their first Coupe de France triumph in May, a year after Oliver Glasner gave Palace their first FA Cup.
