Crystal Palace have hired Lens manager Pierre Sage as head coach on a three-year contract. The 47‑year‑old Frenchman replaces Oliver Glasner, who departed after guiding the Eagles to the FA Cup, Community Shield and a Conference League title. Sage arrives after a standout season at Lens, where he won Ligue 1 manager of the year and delivered the club’s first Coupe de France in 120 years. The appointment ends speculation finally.

Sage inherits a squad poised for European competition; Palace qualified for the Europa League after last season’s triumph. His Lens side were built on aggressive pressing, high turnovers and rapid transitions, registering 426 turnovers and 65 direct attacks in 2025‑26. Such intensity aims to disrupt opponents early and create scoring chances. That philosophy promises to replace Glasner’s possession‑based approach with a faster, pressure‑driven style.

Assistant coach Jamal Alioui joins Sage from Lens, providing continuity for the tactical overhaul. Palace’s recent trophy haul raises expectations, and supporters will gauge success by early Europa League results and league positioning. Sage’s ambition to instill “winning habits” will be tested as he adapts his high‑press system to the Premier League’s physical demands. If the transition succeeds, Palace could push for a top‑six finish.