Crystal Palace confirm appointment of Pierre Sage as head coach

Sage joins after winning Coupe de France with Lens

‘We come here with a lot of ambition,’ Sage says

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 and became Palace’s top choice after Andoni Iraola joined Liverpool.

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.

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 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.”