Set for three year deal 

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Crystal Palace fans could be forgiven for still being on something of a high. In April 2025, their club had never won a major trophy. Yet, just over a year later, and the Eagles have won the FA Cup, Community Sheld and Europa Conference League. However, the manager that delivered all that silverware has now departed in Oliver Glasner. Nevertheless, he will be replaced by an exciting figure from France. Pierre Sage, who led Lens to second in Ligue 1 last season, has reportedly agreed a three-year deal to become Crystal Palace’s new manager.

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 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 expected to stay on to be part of Sage’s team. So what kind of manager is arriving at Selhurst Park? With expert insight from France, we bring you more on the 47 year old.

What type of manager is Pierre Sage?

Lens was Sage’s second job in Ligue 1 having been sacked by Lyon in January 2025. In an interview with L’Equipe last season, a humble Sage said: “For me, a good coach is one who manages to optimise the available resources, while guiding towards a vision he shares with the players regarding how to play. I like to have possession, I like to dictate the game. And these are things that suit this squad. I simply have ideas, convictions, and a legacy from my predecessors that I’ve been able to build upon.” During his time at Lens, Sage took a mightily impressive 2.20 points per game, and won the Coupe de France trophy. He was named the Ligue 1 Manager of the Season.

Ronan Caroff is Transfermarkt’s Area Manager in France, and has been following Sage’s journey in France closely for sometime. “He has a wonderful success story!” exclaims Caroff. “Pushed under the spotlight by John Textor to handle a Lyon side in difficult circumstances, he quickly made a name for himself, which is usually almost impossible for a coach without a playing career. Lyon had to pay over €500k of fines because Sage didn’t have the necessary coaching badges at the time. His exit from Lyon was harsh for someone who had averaged 1.93 points-per-game, but in Lens he found a more stable place to work, and we have seen that’s just what he needed to shine again.”

“At Lyon his tactics were quite versatile,” continued Caroff. “At Lens he settled more for a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 system, which has worked well. Danger comes from everywhere in Lens’ front-line, and assists come from all over the pitch including the full-backs. Their defence is also super solid – the second best defensive record in France last season.” These characteristics, especially the tendency to field a back three all would appear to make Sage a natural successor to build on the great job done by his predecessor Glasner.