- Crystal Palace eyed ex-Chelsea striker
- Eagles set to appoint Pierre Sage
- Club made right call
Pierre Sage beat a former Chelsea striker in the race to succeed Oliver Glasner as Crystal Palace boss. The Frenchman is set to be confirmed as the Eagles’ new manager this week.
There have been several names linked with the Selhurst Park job since Glasner announced his decision to leave in January. Andoni Iraola had been the top candidate but opted to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool.
Sage moved into pole position after Iraola’s Anfield switch. He gave the green light to Steve Parish and the board last week, agreeing to leave Ligue 1 club Lens.
Palace eyed Chelsea hero
Palace were also linked with the likes of Coventry City’s Frank Lampard and former Eintracht Frankfurt manager Dino Toppmoller. Another name had been on the club’s radar before they turned to Sage.
According to the Brazilian outlet Trivela, former Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo was considered during the managerial search. Several Championship clubs have also held talks with the Argentine.
Crespo is available after leaving Brazilian club Sao Paulo in March. He’s spent his coaching career in South America, Qatar and the UAE, delivering trophy success.
Appointing the 50-year-old would have been a risk given his lack of managerial experience in European football. He has earned plaudits for his proactive football philosophy but Palace feels like a big step at this stage of his career.
That’s why a spell in the Championship makes more sense for the AC Milan icon. He’ll get accustomed to coaching in England.
Sage was the best choice
Sage was undoubtedly the best candidate for the job after missing out on Iraola. His resume speaks for itself, guiding Lens to a second-placed finish in Ligue 1 this season.
The French coach also led his side to the Coupe de France. He has also experienced European football, which includes coaching Lyon in the Europa League.
