Crystal Palace has announced the appointment of Pierre Sage as their new manager, following the departure of Oliver Glasner at the conclusion of the season. The 47-year-old French coach has agreed to a three-year deal with the Premier League club, signaling a new chapter for the Eagles after Glasner’s successful tenure.
Sage arrives at Selhurst Park fresh from an impressive spell at Lens, where he led the team to a remarkable second-place finish in Ligue 1. This achievement secured Lens a coveted spot in the UEFA Champions League, marking a significant milestone for the club. Additionally, Sage guided Lens to their first-ever victory in the French Cup, further highlighting his impact.
His outstanding performance throughout the season earned him the prestigious Ligue 1 Manager of the Year award, a recognition that clearly influenced Crystal Palace’s decision to entrust him with their managerial role. Sage, previously at the helm of Lyon, now faces the challenge of sustaining the momentum established by Glasner, who steered the club to a UEFA Conference League title.
New Era Following a Successful Period
Reflecting on his appointment, Sage expressed enthusiasm about joining Crystal Palace. “It’s amazing to be here at Crystal Palace. I am excited by the history of the club, and by recent seasons,” he stated. Acknowledging Glasner’s accomplishments, he added, “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 Frenchman highlighted the positive atmosphere surrounding the club, noting, “The dynamic here is really positive, and we are in this mindset too. We won last year and we want to continue in this way, in a new club, a new project, but with a lot of winning habits.”
During Glasner’s leadership, Crystal Palace not only celebrated their inaugural FA Cup triumph in 2025, defeating Manchester City at Wembley, but also earned qualification for the upcoming Europa League by winning the UEFA Conference League. These successes have set a solid foundation upon which Sage is expected to build.
Club chairman Steve Parish has voiced confidence in Sage’s ability to capitalize on the club’s recent achievements and push Crystal Palace forward in both domestic and European competitions. With Sage’s proven track record and ambition, the Premier League side aims to maintain and elevate its status in the coming seasons.