Crystal Palace appoint Pierre Sage as manager following the departure of Oliver Glasner

Crystal Palace hired Pierre Sage as their new manager on Monday to replace Oliver Glasner after the Austrian left the UEFA Conference League winners at the end of the season.

Sage agreed to a three-year contract with the Premier League club after impressing for French side Lens last season.

The 47-year-old Frenchman led Lens to a second-place finish in Ligue 1, qualifying for the Champions League and winning the French Cup for the first time in the club’s history.

Sage was named Ligue 1 Manager of the Year for his performances in his debut season with Lens, which convinced Palace to make a move for him following Glasner’s departure following the Conference League final victory over Rayo Vallecano.

“It’s great to be here at Crystal Palace. I’m excited about the club’s history and the past few seasons,” said Sage.

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“Oliver Glasner has achieved some fantastic things, and now I have to do the same. That’s why we come here with a lot of ambition.

«The dynamics here are really positive, and we are also in this mentality. Last year we won and we want to continue this way, in a new club, a new project, but with a lot of winning habits.»

Palace’s victory in the Conference League earned them a place in next season’s Europa League, maintaining the south London club’s progress in recent years.

It defeated Manchester City at Wembley and won the FA Cup for the first time in its history in 2025.

Eagles chairman Steve Parish hopes former Lyon boss Sage can continue the development of Glasner, whose departure was announced earlier this year.

“I am extremely excited to welcome Pierre, who joins us after a trophy-winning season with Lens and a fantastic second-place finish in Ligue 1,” said Parish.

“As we enter a new European campaign thanks to our success in Leipzig, I know he will give everything to achieve greater success for our fantastic football club.”

Published on June 16, 2026