Pierre Sage Close to Joining Crystal Palace as New Head Coach

Crystal Palace is reportedly nearing the appointment of Pierre Sage as their new head coach following a series of discussions.

The South London club has been searching for a new manager since Oliver Glasner announced in January that he would depart at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

Glasner concluded his tenure on a high note, leading Palace to a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final in late May, securing continental success for the team.

In the wake of Glasner’s announcement, Palace has been linked with various managerial candidates, including Andoni Iraola, who recently transitioned from Bournemouth to Liverpool.

Other names on the club’s radar have included Frank Lampard from Coventry City, Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town, and former Everton manager Sean Dyche. However, Sage has emerged as the frontrunner to take over after productive talks.

© Imago / PRESSE SPORTS / MANTEY STEPHANE.

Sage Set to Become Crystal Palace’s New Head Coach

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Crystal Palace has reached a preliminary agreement to appoint Lens manager Sage on a three-year contract that will run until June 2029, with an option for an additional year.

A report from Sky Sports News indicates that Palace and Lens are close to finalizing a compensation package that would facilitate Sage’s move to the Premier League.

Sage took charge of Lens in June last year and led the team to an impressive second-place finish in Ligue 1, accumulating 70 points from 34 matches (22 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses).

The club also celebrated victory in the Coupe de France final against Nice with a score of 3-1, marking their first triumph in this competition in their 120-year history.

Departing Lens with an impressive win rate of 67.5%, Sage built on his previous success at Lyon, where he recorded 32 wins out of 56 matches over two years.

© Imago.

Similarities Between Glasner and Incoming Coach Sage

Many Crystal Palace supporters are optimistic about the club’s pursuit of Sage due to his history of employing a three-at-the-back system similar to that used by Glasner during his time at Selhurst Park.

This continuity allows for minimal changes in player personnel while benefiting players like Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell, who excelled under Glasner as attacking wing-backs.

While some may express concerns about hiring a manager without Premier League experience, it’s worth noting that Glasner himself had not managed in English football before proving himself as an exceptional coach with Palace.

The club appears poised to transition from one trophy-winning manager to another. Sage will aim to retain key players such as Ismaila Sarr and Adam Wharton as they prepare for their upcoming campaign in the Europa League next season.