Crystal Palace’s new manager is Pierre Sage, the French coach who joined the Eagles after leading RC Lens to a historic season in France.
Sage was officially appointed by Crystal Palace on June 15, 2026, signing a three-year contract that runs through the summer of 2029.
The 47-year-old replaces Oliver Glasner, who left Selhurst Park following one of the most successful periods in Crystal Palace history.
Sage arrives in the Premier League after an outstanding 2025/26 campaign with Lens, where he guided the club to second place in Ligue 1, Champions League qualification and its first Coupe de France title.
Here is everything you need to know about Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage, including his previous clubs, coaching career and why the Eagles chose him to replace Glasner.
Who Is the Crystal Palace Manager?
Pierre Sage is the current manager of Crystal Palace.
The French coach was appointed on June 15, 2026, ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Sage signed a three-year contract with Palace after the club reached an agreement with Lens to bring him to Selhurst Park.
The appointment represents Sage’s first managerial position in English football.
He takes charge of a Palace team entering a new era following Glasner’s departure while also preparing to compete domestically and in Europe.
Who Is Pierre Sage?
Pierre Sage is a French football manager who built his reputation through coaching positions in France before earning his opportunity in the Premier League.
Born on May 5, 1979, Sage followed an unconventional path into elite-level management.
Unlike many Premier League managers, Sage did not have a high-profile professional playing career before becoming a coach.
Instead, he spent years developing as a coach and working in various technical and managerial positions before receiving his breakthrough opportunity with Lyon.
Sage eventually established himself as one of France’s most highly regarded coaches following successful spells with Lyon and Lens.
His rapid rise has now taken him to Crystal Palace and the Premier League.
Where Did Pierre Sage Manage Before Crystal Palace?
Sage’s two most notable managerial positions before joining Crystal Palace came with Lyon and RC Lens.
He initially took charge of Lyon on an interim basis in November 2023 when the club was struggling near the bottom of Ligue 1.
Lyon’s performances improved dramatically under Sage, and he was subsequently appointed on a permanent basis.
He helped Lyon recover during the 2023/24 campaign and later guided the club into European competition.
Sage left Lyon in January 2025 before becoming Lens manager ahead of the 2025/26 season.
It was at Lens where his reputation reached another level.
What Did Pierre Sage Accomplish at Lens?
Sage enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 season with Lens.
Lens finished second in Ligue 1, behind Paris Saint-Germain, securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
The club also enjoyed historic success in the Coupe de France.
Lens defeated Nice 3-1 in the final to win the French Cup for the first time in club history.
Across the season, Sage’s Lens recorded 28 wins, four draws and eight defeats in all competitions.
His performances earned him the Ligue 1 Manager of the Year award at the UNFP Trophies.
That success attracted interest from Crystal Palace as the Eagles searched for Glasner’s successor.
Why Did Crystal Palace Hire Pierre Sage?
Crystal Palace appointed Sage after identifying him as a strong candidate to continue the club’s development following Glasner’s departure.
His success at Lens demonstrated his ability to build a competitive team capable of challenging clubs with significantly greater resources.
There was also tactical continuity to consider.
Sage has experience using a 3-4-2-1 formation, a system similar to the structure Palace frequently employed successfully under Glasner.
That potentially allows Palace to transition to a new manager without completely rebuilding a squad assembled around a three-defender system.
Sage also developed a reputation in France for tactically organized and aggressive football, making him an intriguing fit for the Premier League.
Who Did Pierre Sage Replace at Crystal Palace?
Pierre Sage replaced Oliver Glasner as Crystal Palace manager.
Glasner had taken charge of Palace in February 2024 and subsequently oversaw an extraordinary period in the club’s history.
Under the Austrian, Palace established themselves as an increasingly competitive Premier League side while also achieving unprecedented success in cup competitions.
Glasner eventually decided not to extend his contract with Palace, leaving the club needing to identify a successor capable of maintaining its momentum.
Palace ultimately turned to Sage following his exceptional season with Lens.
How Long Is Pierre Sage’s Crystal Palace Contract?
Pierre Sage signed a three-year contract with Crystal Palace.
His deal runs through the 2028/29 season, giving Palace an opportunity to build a longer-term project around the French coach.
Sage also brought members of his coaching staff from France with him to Selhurst Park, including Jamal Alioui, Damien Della Santa and Sandy Guichard.
What Formation Does Pierre Sage Use?
Sage is a tactically flexible coach, but his experience with a 3-4-2-1 system was reportedly one of the factors that appealed to Crystal Palace.
The formation is particularly significant because Palace’s squad already has considerable experience playing with three central defenders and wing-backs.
Sage’s teams have also emphasized tactical organization, intensity and attacking movement rather than simply sitting deep and defending.
Exactly how he adapts those principles to the Premier League will be one of the biggest storylines surrounding Palace during the 2026/27 season.
Is Pierre Sage’s First Crystal Palace Job in the Premier League?
Yes. Crystal Palace is Pierre Sage’s first managerial job in English football.
His previous senior managerial experience has primarily come in France.
That makes the 2026/27 season a significant new challenge as Sage adjusts to the Premier League while taking over a club with increased expectations following its recent success.
The move also represents a major step in Sage’s rapid managerial rise.
Only a few years ago, he was working outside the spotlight of Europe’s biggest leagues. He has since managed Lyon, led Lens to Champions League qualification and a historic French Cup triumph, and earned a move to the Premier League.
When Did Crystal Palace Appoint Pierre Sage?
Crystal Palace officially announced Sage as their new manager on June 15, 2026.
His appointment allowed him to work with the squad throughout preseason before beginning the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
Palace will hope Sage can successfully translate the methods that worked at Lens to English football and continue the progress made during the Glasner era.
Crystal Palace Manager: Pierre Sage Quick Facts
- Full name: Pierre Sage
- Born: May 5, 1979
- Nationality: French
- Club: Crystal Palace
- Position: Manager/Head Coach
- Appointed: June 15, 2026
- Contract: Through 2029
- Previous club: RC Lens
- Former club: Lyon
- Major achievement: 2025/26 Coupe de France winner
- 2025/26 Ligue 1 finish: Second with Lens
- Individual honor: 2025/26 Ligue 1 Manager of the Year
Who Is Crystal Palace’s New Manager?
Pierre Sage is Crystal Palace’s new manager for the 2026/27 Premier League season.
The Frenchman replaces Oliver Glasner after joining Palace from Lens on a three-year contract.
Sage arrives at Selhurst Park following the best season of his managerial career, having led Lens to second place in Ligue 1, Champions League qualification and the first Coupe de France trophy in the club’s history.
His appointment represents a new chapter for Crystal Palace as the Eagles attempt to build on their recent success and establish themselves as a consistent force in the Premier League and European competition.