- RC Lens reacts to Sage’s departure
- Positive relationship between Palace and Lens could benefit Palace
- Utilising Ligue 1 talent could be a huge step
RC Lens’ Sporting Director Benjamin Parrot has spoken out on Pierre Sage’s departure, after his appointment at Crystal Palace was confirmed on Monday.
After leading Lens to a historic 2nd placed finish in Ligue 1 and a first ever Coupe de France title in just one season with the club, the manager arrives at Selhurst Park with a superb reputation.
The reaction from some of the Lens fans has been emotional, showing clear frustration with the speed in which Sage has seemingly dropped the Lenois for Premier League football.
However, Parrot’s comments, which come via Getfootballnewsfrance, indicate that the club have differing emotions upon Sage’s departure.
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Lens Sporting Director Reacts to Palace switch
Parrot insisted that there was “no anger, no acrimony towards Sage.”
“Our daily life is about managing offers, managing potential departures, potential arrivals”, he continued.
“Before in football, that only concerned players, but in the world of modern football, that also includes managers.”
Whilst the club would have preferred Sage to stay, Parrot insisted that Lens “wish him the best. We won’t forget what he’s achieved. We will still be positive about this magnificent season and now it’s time for what comes next.”
Interestingly, what comes next for the French club is Dino Toppmoller, the former coach of Eintracht Frankfurt who was linked with the Palace vacancy before Sage’s name came forward.
Palace will hope to use strong connections for further signings
Building strong working relationships with clubs in Ligue 1 would be a smart move for Palace. The French top flight is a breeding ground for exciting talent and has produced some top players in recent seasons.
Whilst Lens specifically may not approve of the South London club pillaging their manager as well as their best talent, the reality of the food chain is that Lens are a selling club.
Sage’s appointment could well strengthen any Palace push for the likes of Mamadou Sangaré or Ismaelo Ganiou, who have both been heavily coveted already this Summer.
Having the man who worked so well with them last season would certainly make Palace an appealing choice, and if that relationship can continue to bring talented players to South London, Sage’s appointment may have been even more cunning than initially expected.
