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Crystal Palace Appoints Pierre Sage, Coupe de France Winner

6/16/2026

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Summary

Palace hires Sage

Crystal Palace appointed Pierre Sage as manager on a three-year deal.
Sage left Lens after winning the Coupe de France and finishing second in Ligue 1.
He replaces Oliver Glasner, whose contract ended 30 June 2026 after winning the FA Cup and Conference League, with a visa-contingent compensation package for Lens.
Chairman Steve Parish said the club is excited for the Europa League.

Summary

Alioui joins Palace

Assistant coach Jamal Alioui will join manager Sage from Lens on Crystal Palace’s staff.
Crystal Palace are negotiating with Middlesbrough for midfielder Hayden Hackney, while Everton also monitor the England Under-21 player.
Maxence Lacroix could be forced to leave as Liverpool and Manchester United have shown strong interest.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s contract renewal is under discussion, with a possible sale if a club meets Palace’s valuation.

History

Historical Context

In October 1996, Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein secured the appointment of French manager Arsène Wenger, a move that later delivered three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups. Dein’s success in hiring continental talent set a precedent for clubs seeking foreign expertise, a pattern echoed by Crystal Palace’s 2026 hiring of French coach Pierre Sage.

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Palace hires Sage

Crystal Palace appointed Pierre Sage as manager on a three-year deal.
Sage left Lens after winning the Coupe de France and finishing second in Ligue 1.
He replaces Oliver Glasner, whose contract ended 30 June 2026 after winning the FA Cup and Conference League, with a visa-contingent compensation package for Lens.
Chairman Steve Parish said the club is excited for the Europa League.

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