When Oliver Glasner left Crystal Palace after delivering the club's first major trophy in 136 years, the Eagles needed a manager who could continue that momentum — and they have turned to a Frenchman who rewrote the history books at Lens.
Pierre Sage, the 47-year-old Frenchman, has been appointed as Crystal Palace's new head coach on a three-year contract, succeeding Oliver Glasner who left at the end of the 2025-26 season. Sage arrives from Lens, where he spent 12 months and led them to a second-placed finish in Ligue 1 and the club's first Coupe de France triumph in their 120-year history. He was named Ligue 1 manager of the year for his efforts.
“Explains Crystal Palace's appointment of Pierre Sage as head coach, his background, style, and challenges.”
Sage's path to Selhurst Park began with his first managerial role at Chambery in 2013. He later spent 14 months at Lyon, initially as interim head coach, guiding them to Europa League qualification in 2024-25. Palace had initially targeted former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, but he signed a two-year deal with Liverpool earlier this month. The Eagles also discussed Coventry's Frank Lampard, former Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, and ex-Burnley, Nottingham Forest and Everton head coach Sean Dyche as alternatives. However, Sage's style of football is likely to appeal to supporters, and his English is understood to be at a good level which will not hinder him.
Sage faces a daunting task following Glasner, who won three trophies during his time in south London: the FA Cup in 2025 — the first major trophy in Palace's history — followed by the Community Shield and the UEFA Conference League last season. That European triumph means Palace will play Europa League football in Sage's debut campaign. He will be joined by Jamal Alioui, his assistant coach at Lens.
Why it matters for UK readers
For Crystal Palace fans and Premier League observers, Sage's appointment signals a commitment to an attacking, high-energy style. At Lens, his side were built on aggressive pressing and a willingness to attack quickly once they won the ball back. Opta numbers show Lens made 426 high turnovers during the 2025-26 season, producing 69 shots and seven goals from those moments. They also recorded 65 direct attacks and 55 fast breaks, highlighting a clear preference for moving forward at speed rather than recycling possession. Lens averaged 51.9% possession, but their game was less about long spells on the ball and more about what happened the moment they won it back — a deliberate strategy to control games through pressure, regains and rapid transitions.
However, Palace face a tricky summer. The future of France forward Jean-Philippe Mateta is unresolved as he enters the final year of his contract, and England midfielder Adam Wharton has been linked with several other Premier League clubs. Palace have also offered a new deal to midfielder Daichi Kamada, whose contract expired at the end of the last campaign.
Key questions answered
Q: Who is Pierre Sage? Pierre Sage is a 47-year-old French football manager who began his coaching career at Chambery in 2013. He spent 14 months at Lyon, guiding them to Europa League qualification, before joining Lens in 2025 and leading them to a second-place Ligue 1 finish and a historic Coupe de France win, earning him Ligue 1 manager of the year.
Q: What is his managerial style? Sage's teams are built on aggressive pressing and rapid transitions. At Lens, they focused on high turnovers (426 in the season) and direct attacks (65), with a low average possession (51.9%) but a clear intent to win the ball high up the pitch and create chances quickly.
Q: What challenges does Sage face at Crystal Palace? Sage must replace Oliver Glasner, who won three trophies including the FA Cup and the Conference League. Palace also have unresolved contract situations with key players like Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton, and need to build a squad capable of competing in the Europa League.
What happens next Palace will play Europa League football in Sage's first season. The club faces a busy summer transfer window, with decisions needed on the futures of Mateta, Wharton, and Kamada. Sage's first task will be to implement his high-pressing style and build on the winning habits he established at Lens.