Arsenal celebrated their Premier League title triumph with a routine win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, but attention quickly turned to the Eagles' dugout as the club closes in on the appointment of Lens boss Pierre Sage. The Frenchman is set to replace Oliver Glasner, who led Palace to the Conference League title in his final game in charge before leaving at the end of his contract.
Sage, 47, previously managed Lyon, guiding them to sixth in his first season before leaving after just over a year. He joined Lens last summer and won the Coupe de France while finishing second in Ligue 1. Now he is poised to make his Premier League debut after a compensation package between Palace and Lens worth around €5million (£4.3m) was reportedly agreed, with Sage expected to sign a three-year deal.
“Arsenal beat Palace in a party atmosphere as Crystal Palace near the appointment of Lens boss Pierre Sage.”
The appointment marks a return to the Premier League radar for Sage, who was linked with Liverpool before the Reds moved for Andoni Iraola. Speaking after his Anfield appointment was confirmed, Iraola said: “Really excited because obviously you know about Liverpool, you know that it is a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world. But feeling inside and understanding a little bit more of this club and I always thought it’s a special club, not [just] because of the football side, but also because what people think about even during the week, how they are passionate about the club, the ones who play football, the ones who are probably interested.”
Iraola added: “I don’t think you need a lot of things to get attracted by Liverpool, no? Liverpool is Liverpool, but obviously the atmosphere, the supporters, the players, the chance for me to coach top-level players, the chance to fight for titles. I think it cannot be more attractive than this, it’s difficult to find it, so really excited to start.”
At Selhurst Park, the party atmosphere was palpable as Arsenal kicked off their reign as champions with a routine victory. For Palace, the focus now turns to Sage’s arrival as the club looks to build on Glasner’s European success.