Pierre Sage signs deal to become new Crystal Palace coach

Pierre Sage has agreed a three-year deal to become Crystal Palace’s new manager.

The Athletic reported on June 9 that Palace were closing in on an agreement to appoint the 47-year-old, who previously managed Lens, as Oliver Glasner’s successor.

The Frenchman has secured a work permit and is set to start work on July 6, ahead of the majority of the first team squad’s proposed return for the start of pre-season on July 10.

He will be joined in south London by his assistant at Lens, Jamal Alioui, with the rest of his backroom staff still being finalised. Existing coaches Paddy McCarthy and Andy Quy are staying on to be part of Sage’s new team.

Sage has previously had several jobs within football management, including as a sports coordinator, technical director, scout, and youth coach.

Before his successful period in charge of Lens, his only previous senior managerial experience came with Lyon, whom he coached between January 2024 and January 2025.

He was appointed Lens head coach in the summer of 2025, guiding them to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 last season — six points behind Paris Saint-Germain. He also led the French side to the Coupe de France, beating Nice in the final, for the first time in club history.

In an April 2025 interview with The Athletic, Sage revealed that it was his “dream” to work in England, calling it the “best country” and praising the Premier League.