Crystal Palace Begin Search for New Manager
Conference League champions Crystal Palace are aiming to bring French manager Pierre Sage from RC Lens to the South London club, according to Alex Crook (TalkSport), following the departure of Oliver Glasner after the first European triumph in the club's history.
Iraola Pursuit Comes to an End
The primary target of Crystal Palace to replace Oliver Glasner was former AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, but after the departure of Arne Slot, Liverpool have advanced in talks with Iraola to succeed Arne Slot at Anfield.
Pierre Sage's Rise at RC Lens
Pierre Sage rose to prominence through his results with RC Lens this season. In Paris Saint-Germain's domination of the French league, his team was able to pose a major threat, finishing in second place with only six points behind Luis Enrique's PSG.
Despite the second-place finish in Ligue 1, Pierre Sage and his team won the French Cup trophy, defeating Toulouse 4-1.
This performance with the French club has attracted attention from several European clubs to the French manager, including Liverpool. Pierre Sage's name is on Liverpool's list to replace Arne Slot, but Andoni Iraola is the front-runner.
Chapter at Lyon Laid the Foundation
Piere Sage was appointed as Lyon's first-team manager on 30 November 2023, in the wake of Fabio Grosso's departure. This was the first job of the French man in Europe's top flight.
Under Pierre Sage Lyon qualified for the UEFA Europa League and earned praise for his man-management skills, but dismissed after the team's poor run of form.
In summer of 2025, Piere Sagge was appointed as the manager of RC Lens on a 3-year deal, which earned him greater recognition for his progressive approach to the game with high pressing and quick transitions.
Crystal Palace Intensify Interest
In an interview with Bein Sports, Pierre Sagge answered questions regarding a move to a foreign club. He told, "There is no reason for that (the situation around his future) to evolve. But there are lots of contacts. I am under contract and I will try to honour it. I am very happy at this club."
However, Crystal Palace is actively pursuing the deal for the French manager after missing out their primary target Andoni Iroala.
Kierre Mckenna, Frank Lampard, Thomas Frank and Sean Dyche are also in the list of Crystal Palace, but Pierre Sage remains the primary target.