Crystal Palace confirmed Pierre Sage as their new head coach, signing him to a three-year contract. The 47‑year‑old arrives after a standout season at Lens, where he earned Ligue 1 manager of the year and delivered the club’s first Coupe de France in 120 years. He replaces Oliver Glasner, who departed after guiding Palace to a historic FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League double.

Sage inherits a side set for Europa League action following last season’s European triumph. His Lens outfit was built on aggressive pressing, high‑up‑field turnovers and rapid transitions, recording 426 high turnovers and 65 direct attacks in 2025‑26. That intensity aligns with Palace’s desire to sustain winning habits and add a proactive identity to their play.

Assistant coach Jamal Alioui joins Sage from Lens, completing the backroom overhaul. The appointment ends a weeks‑long speculation that linked Palace with Andoni Iraola, Frank Lampard and others. Sage’s mandate is clear: translate Lens‑style pressure into results and keep the Eagles competing on multiple fronts this campaign.