Crystal Palace appoints Sage as head coach on three-year deal

Crystal Palace has named Lens manager Pierre Sage as their new head coach, signing him to a three-year contract. The 47-year-old Frenchman takes over from Oliver Glasner, who concluded his two-and-a-half-year tenure at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Sage joined Lens 12 months ago, guiding them to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and securing the club's first Coupe de France title in its 120-year history. Prior to his time at Lens, he spent 14 months as head coach of Lyon, initially on an interim basis, leading them to Europa League qualification in the 2024-25 season.

The appointment follows interest from Palace in other candidates, including Andoni Iraola, Frank Lampard, Kieran McKenna, and Sean Dyche. Sage faces the challenge of succeeding Glasner, who achieved significant success during his time in south London. Glasner led the Eagles to their first major trophy, the FA Cup in 2025, followed by victories in the Community Shield and the Conference League last season. This European triumph means Palace will compete in the Europa League during Sage's debut campaign.

Sage will be accompanied at the club by Jamal Alioui, who served as his assistant coach at Lens. Existing Palace coaches Paddy McCarthy and Andy Quy will remain as part of Sage's backroom staff.