- Crystal Palace set to confirm Pierre Sage
- Eagles higher-ups thrilled with French manager
- Why they wanted him
Crystal Palace have moved decisively to appoint Pierre Sage as their new manager, and everything about the process makes clear just how highly the club’s hierarchy rate the Frenchman.
According to TEAMtalk, the Eagles had been tracking Sage closely for some time, and what they saw left them in little doubt. The Palace higher-ups are hugely impressed by his work in France, particularly guiding Lens to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and securing their qualification for the Champions League.
Sage’s tactical approach, player-development credentials and ability to build competitive teams on a sustainable model all aligned precisely with what Palace were looking for in their next appointment.
Set on Sage
Palace moved for Sage without hesitation once they were aware he was attainable. When it became clear that Sage was attainable, Palace moved without hesitation.
After positive early talks between the Frenchman and the club’s decision-makers, negotiations advanced quickly. Both parties are aligned in plans for the club, and clearly, he said all the right things during meetings.
Palace’s speed and conviction are telling and make clear that he is the man to try and build on Oliver Glasner’s success. There will likely be an even bigger queue for his services if the South Londoners do not move now.
At 47, Sage brings with him a philosophy that fits neatly with what Palace have been building under Steve Parish and the club’s co-ownership group. He has all the tools to be an ideal Glasner successor and perhaps even achieve more trophy success.
Planning already
Crucially, this is not simply a managerial appointment; Sage is said to be already involved in discussions about Palace’s transfer strategy this summer. He is expected to play a major role in shaping recruitment ahead of the new campaign.
The Eagles are already linked with Lens defender Ismaelo Ganiou. If the reports are true, you’d expect Sage to be the one pushing for the young Frenchman.
The Glasner era was one of the greatest in Crystal Palace’s history. But everything about the pursuit of Sage suggests the Eagles are not content to stand still and that the next chapter could be just as exciting.
