Crystal Palace announced the appointment of Pierre Sage as their new head coach on a three-year contract on June 15, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Sage, 47, takes over from Oliver Glasner, who left the club at the end of the 2025-26 season after two and a half years in charge [4, 1, 5, 2, 3].
Sage previously managed RC Lens for one season, guiding them to second place in Ligue 1 and securing their first Coupe de France win in the club’s 120-year history [4, 1, 5, 2, 3]. Under his leadership, Lens also qualified for the UEFA Champions League for only the fourth time ever [1, 2, 3]. Before Lens, Sage spent 14 months as head coach at Lyon, initially on an interim basis, helping them qualify for the Europa League and reach the Coupe de France final in the 2024-25 season [4, 1, 5, 2, 3]. He also served as assistant manager at Lyon-Duchere and Red Star earlier in his career [1, 2, 3].
Sage expressed excitement about joining Palace, saying, “It’s amazing to be here at Crystal Palace. I am excited by the history of the club, and by recent seasons.” He praised the outgoing Glasner’s achievements, adding, “Oliver Glasner achieved some amazing things and now I have to do the same. That’s why we come here with a lot of ambition. The dynamic here is really positive and we are in this mindset too.” [1, 5]
Oliver Glasner was the club’s most successful manager, winning both the FA Cup and the Conference League during his tenure [5]. Crystal Palace became only the third English club in four years to win the Conference League, following West Ham United and Chelsea [1, 2, 3]. Despite the trophies, Palace finished 15th in the Premier League in the 2025-26 season under Glasner [1, 2, 3]. Glasner announced in January 2026 that he would not renew his contract [1, 2, 3].
The club reportedly chose Sage partly because his preferred system resembles Glasner’s, which offered continuity for the team [5]. Sage said, “We won last year – and we want to continue in this way, in a new club, a new project, but with a lot of winning habits. We want to give our best every day for the team, for the club, for the people, and especially for the fans, because when you love a club in England, it’s for all your life.” [1]
Sage’s three-year contract sets a long-term horizon for Crystal Palace as they prepare for the 2026-27 Premier League season with a manager who has recent experience competing at the top level in France and Europe [4, 1, 5, 2, 3].
