Crystal Palace have appointed Pierre Sage as their new head coach on a three-year contract, bringing the Frenchman to Selhurst Park after his successful spell at Lens. Sage, 47, replaces Oliver Glasner, who departed at the end of the 2025-26 season after two and a half years in charge. The move marks a significant new chapter for Palace as they prepare for life under a manager who has built a strong reputation in France.
Sage arrives in south London after guiding Lens to an impressive second-place finish in Ligue 1 and delivering the club’s first Coupe de France title in its 120-year history. He joined Lens just 12 months ago and quickly made a major impact, establishing himself as one of the most promising coaches in European football. Before that, he spent 14 months at Lyon, where he initially took charge on an interim basis and later helped the club secure Europa League qualification for the 2024-25 season.
Palace had considered several candidates during their search for Glasner’s successor. Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was among the names linked with the role, while Frank Lampard, Kieran McKenna and Sean Dyche were also reported to be in contention. In the end, the club chose Sage as the man to lead them into a new era.
He faces the challenge of following Glasner, who leaves behind a highly successful legacy. The Austrian guided Palace to the first major trophy in the club’s history by winning the FA Cup in 2025. He then added the Community Shield and the Conference League last season, giving Palace a remarkable run of success that transformed expectations around the club. Those achievements have raised the standard for Sage, who inherits a side heading into European competition.
Because of their Conference League victory, Palace will play in the Europa League in Sage’s first season at the club. That will make his debut campaign particularly demanding, with domestic and continental commitments increasing the pressure on the new manager and his staff. Supporters will be eager to see how Sage adapts to English football and whether he can build on the momentum created under Glasner.
Sage will not arrive alone. He is set to be joined by Jamal Alioui, who served as his assistant coach at Lens. Palace have also confirmed that existing first-team coaches Paddy McCarthy and Andy Quy will remain in place as part of the backroom team, providing continuity as the club transitions to a new leadership structure.
The appointment signals Palace’s intention to combine ambition with stability. By choosing a coach with recent success in France and experience in European qualification, the club is backing Sage to maintain their progress and push the team to another level. His task will be to preserve the winning culture established under Glasner while shaping the squad in his own image.
