Crystal Palace F.C. have turned to highly-rated French coach Pierre Sage as the successor to Oliver Glasner, handing the former RC Lens boss a three-year contract ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Sage arrives in south London with a growing reputation after an outstanding campaign in France, where he guided Lens to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and delivered the club’s first-ever Coupe de France title.
The 47-year-old was also named Ligue 1 Manager of the Year following an impressive season built around aggressive pressing and rapid attacking transitions.
The appointment comes after Glasner’s successful two-and-a-half-year reign at Palace came to an end.
During his spell at Selhurst Park, the Austrian transformed the Eagles into one of England’s most exciting sides, winning the club’s first major trophy — the FA Cup in 2025 — before adding the Community Shield and the UEFA Europa Conference League title last season.
Sage acknowledged the expectations surrounding his arrival and insisted he is ready to continue the winning culture established under Glasner.
“Oliver Glasner achieved some amazing things, and now I have to do the same,” Sage said.
“We come here with a lot of ambition. The dynamic here is really positive, and we want to continue with those winning habits.”
The Frenchman’s tactical identity could make Palace even more dangerous in transition.
His Lens side averaged just over 51 percent possession last season but focused heavily on regaining the ball high up the pitch and attacking quickly once possession was won back.
Lens recorded 426 high turnovers during the 2025/26 campaign, producing 69 shots and seven goals directly from those situations.
Palace supporters can also expect intense pressing, fast breaks, and vertical attacking football — a style that mirrors the energy and aggression Glasner brought to the club.
Sage will not arrive alone, with assistant coach Jamal Alioui joining him from Lens as part of the new backroom setup.
With Palace set to compete in the UEFA Europa League next season following their Conference League triumph, Sage’s first campaign in English football will immediately come under the spotlight as he attempts to build on the most successful era in the club’s history.