Crystal Palace confirmed Pierre Sage as head coach, signing him to a three-year contract after Oliver Glasner's departure. The 47‑year‑old arrived from Lens, where he earned Ligue 1 manager of the year honors and guided the club to a historic Coupe de France win. Palace, fresh from an FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League double, expect continuity in ambition.

Sage inherits a side that will compete in Europa League this season, a direct result of last year’s continental triumph. His Lens side prized aggressive pressing, winning the ball high up the pitch and converting turnovers into quick attacks – 65 direct attacks and 55 fast breaks in 2025‑26. That ethos aligns with Palace’s desire to sustain a winning habit while adding a faster, high‑intensity edge.

Assistant coach Jamal Alioui follows Sage from Lens, ensuring tactical consistency. The coaching change ends a speculative search that included Andoni Iraola, Frank Lampard and others. With Glasner’s trophy haul set as a benchmark, Sage’s first task is to translate Lens’ pressure‑based model into Premier League results and keep the Eagles in European contention.