- Chris Richards on Crystal Palace appointing Pierre Sage
- American is excited
- Feels Eagles have shown ambition
Chris Richards believes Pierre Sage is an “ambitious” appointment as Crystal Palace prepare to announce him as Oliver Glasner’s successor. The French tactician has agreed to replace Glasner on a three-year deal.
Sage has been earning rave reviews in France amid two brilliant spells in charge of Lyon and Lens. He became Palace’s top candidate after Andoni Iraola replaced Arne Slot at Liverpool.
The 47-year-old led Lens to a second-placed finish in Ligue 1, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. He also guided the French football side to the Coupe de France.
‘Another good manager’ – Richards on Pierre Sage
Richards will be playing under his fourth Palace manager after bidding farewell to Glasner. He remained on the bench during the UEFA Conference League final victory over Rayo Vallecano.
The American defender set to play at the World Cup this summer spoke about Sage during a press conference. He is enthused by the appointment:
“It’s good we have stayed ambitious, getting another good manager who’s recently won a few things. Seeing Glasner go is tough, but he brought so much to the club in my career. I wish him the best.”
Palace are losing the most successful manager in the club’s history. Glasner led the Eagles to three trophies during his two-and-a-half-year stint at Selhurst Park.
Sage has a massive job on his hands trying to build on the Austrian’s historic reign. His resume suggests he is the ideal man to take the reins and oversee the South London outfit’s Europa League debut next season.
Number four for Richards
Richards is the first Palace player to publicly comment on Sage’s appointment. The club haven’t even confirmed the French coach but an announcement is expected in due course.
The 26-year-old will be relishing the chance to play under a manager who focuses on defensive organisation. He enjoyed a fine past season, helping the Eagles win the Conference League.
Richards will be focused on the USA’s World Cup campaign, which takes place on home soil. He has been dealing with an ankle injury sustained in a 2-2 draw against Brentford last month.
