Pierre Sage is Crystal Palace's new head coach. Sage, 47, signed a three-year contract, repl...
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Pierre Sage is Crystal Palace's new head coach. Sage, 47, signed a three-year contract, repl...

Originally reported by BBC Premier League

"Palace seeks continued success with new coach, following Oliver Glasner's departure."

The Frenchman joins Palace after a successful stint at Lens, where he led the team to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and won the Coupe de France. Sage's appointment comes after Glasner's departure, who won three trophies during his time at the club. Sage will be joined by his assistant coach, Jamal Alioui, and will look to build on the team's recent success, including their European triumph in the Conference League. Palace will play in the Europa League next season, and Sage's experience in European competitions will be crucial. Sage's coaching style is characterized by aggressive pressing and quick transitions, which led to Lens making 426 high turnovers during the 2025-26 season. This approach allowed the team to create chances and score goals, with 69 shots and seven goals resulting from these moments. The new coach's focus on regaining possession high up the pitch and immediately threatening the opponent's goal will be an exciting aspect of Palace's game next season. Sage's team at Lens produced 65 direct attacks and 55 fast breaks last season, highlighting a clear preference for moving forward quickly. The challenge for Sage will be to replicate his success at Lens with Palace, who have a different squad and playing style. However, the Frenchman's experience and ambition make him an exciting appointment for the Eagles. In his first statement as Palace coach, Sage acknowledged the achievements of his predecessor, saying, "Oliver Glasner achieved some amazing things, and now I have to do the same." Sage expressed his ambition to continue the team's winning habits and build on the positive dynamic at the club. The Palace squad will undergo changes during the summer transfer window, and Sage will have the opportunity to shape the team according to his vision. The club's fans will be eager to see how the new coach will adapt to the Premier League and the Europa League. Sage's appointment is a significant moment for Palace, and the club's hierarchy will be hoping that he can lead the team to further success. The Frenchman's experience, coaching style, and ambition make him an attractive choice, and the Eagles will be looking to make a strong start to the new season. As the summer transfer window opens, Palace will be looking to strengthen their squad and prepare for the challenges ahead. With Sage at the helm, the club will be hoping to build on their recent achievements and establish themselves as a top-tier team in the Premier League and European competitions. The coming months will be crucial for Sage and Palace, as they look to navigate the demands of the Premier League and the Europa League. The Frenchman's coaching style and the team's performances will be under scrutiny, and the club's fans will be eager to see how the new season unfolds. In conclusion, Pierre Sage's appointment as Crystal Palace's head coach is an exciting development for the club. With his experience, coaching style, and ambition, Sage has the potential to lead the Eagles to further success and establish himself as a top coach in the Premier League.