Crystal Palace appoint Lens coach Pierre Sage as manager after Ligue 1 second place and cup win

Palace's new era

Crystal Palace announced on Monday that Pierre Sage has signed a three-year contract to become the club's manager, taking over from Oliver Glasner. The 47-year-old Frenchman arrives at Selhurst Park after a stellar season with RC Lens, where he secured a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and the club's first-ever Coupe de France trophy, along with a direct spot in the UEFA Champions League.

“It's amazing to be here at Crystal Palace. I am excited by the history of the club, and by recent seasons.”

The move had been anticipated for days, and was confirmed simultaneously by both clubs. Sage's contract at Lens ran until 2028, but he pushed for the Premier League opportunity.

Glasner's trophy legacy

Sage replaces the Austrian Oliver Glasner, who left at the end of the season when his contract expired. Glasner had announced in January that he would not renew, ending a tenure that produced the FA Cup in 2025 and the Europa Conference League last month, the only major trophies in Palace's 120-year history. Under Glasner, Palace finished 15th in the Premier League last season but earned European qualification again by winning the Conference League.

“I am tremendously excited to welcome Pierre, who joins us off the back of a trophy-winning season at Lens as well as a fabulous second-place finish in Ligue 1.”

From Lyon's shadows to the Premier League

Sage's rise has been unorthodox. A former amateur player, he spent years in assistant roles before becoming director of Lyon's academy in 2023. Thrust into the top job in November 2023 when the club was bottom of Ligue 1 with one win in 12, he steered them to a sixth-place finish and the Coupe de France final, where they lost narrowly to PSG.

He was controversially sacked by then-president John Textor in January 2025 despite sitting sixth. Lens quickly hired him that summer, and he delivered a dream season: 28 wins in 40 matches across all competitions, a first Coupe de France for the club, and a Champions League berth.

Bravo for this historic year that we have lived together... and finally, goodbye, you will remain forever in my mind and in my heart.

What Sage brings

Sage will be joined by assistant Jamal Alioui. Palace's board were reportedly attracted by his tactical setup, a three-man backline with wing backs, similar to the approach Glasner used successfully. The club has already qualified for the Europa League after their Conference League win, and Sage inherits a squad with recent European pedigree. The Frenchman made clear his intent: "We want to give our best every day for the team, for the club, for the people, and especially for the fans, because when you love a club in England, it's for all your life."