Crystal Palace appoint ex-Lens boss Pierre Sage as manager on three-year deal

Crystal Palace has made a bold move, tapping acclaimed French tactician Pierre Sage as their new manager on a three-year deal, effective immediately. The 47-year-old arrives at Selhurst Park fresh off a sensational 2025-2026 season where he led RC Lens to a historic Coupe de France triumph and a second-place finish in Ligue 1, earning him Manager of the Season honors and a Champions League berth for Lens. This appointment marks a significant shift for Palace, who are looking to build on their recent UEFA Conference League victory under former manager Oliver Glasner. Sage inherits a Crystal Palace squad that, despite a 15th-place Premier League finish last term, surprised many by securing Europa League qualification through their Conference League win. His arrival signals a clear intent to elevate the club's domestic standing and compete more consistently in Europe, a challenge Sage is familiar with, having steered Lyon from the bottom of Ligue 1 to European qualification in a previous role. The French manager is known for his intense pressing and transitional play, often deploying a dynamic 3-4-3 formation, a tactical blueprint that could revitalize Palace's attacking prowess and defensive solidity. With Sage's visa pending, the focus will quickly turn to pre-season preparations and potential transfer activity to align the squad with his distinctive tactical philosophy. Club chairman Steve Parish ambition for 'more success' in their upcoming European campaign sets a high bar for Sage, who now faces the task of seamlessly integrating his proven winning habits into the Premier League demanding environment. The football world will be watching to see if his 'mutant' coaching style, as dubbed by French analysts, can translate into sustained success for the Eagles.