Crystal Palace have appointed Pierre Sage as their new manager.
The Frenchman has signed a contract until the summer of 2029. The Eagles have agreed a compensation package with Ligue 1 club RC Lens, releasing Sage from his contract.
The 47-year-old emerged as a preferred candidate after Andoni Iraola took over as Liverpool manager.
Palace have been looking for a new manager after Oliver Glasner decided not to renew his contract at Selhurst Park, which expires on June 30.
The Austrian led the club through one of the most successful seasons in their history, winning the FA Cup and then winning the Conference League final in May.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Oliver Glasner and some of his Crystal Palace players react to the club’s first European title win.
Speaking on the club’s website, Sage said: “It’s amazing to be here at Crystal Palace. I’m excited about the club’s history and recent seasons. Oliver Glasner has achieved some incredible achievements and now I need to do the same. That’s why we came here with a lot of ambition.”
“The dynamic here is really positive and we have this mentality as well. We won last year and we want to continue in this way at a new club, a new project, but we have a lot of winning habits.
“We want to give our best every day for the team, the club, the people and especially the fans, because when you love an English club, you stay with it for life.
“We want to give the fans what they want. We want to make them smile, we want to make the team and the club proud. So we will do our best for you and we are in this together.”
“We are delighted to welcome Pierre after a trophy-winning season with Lens and a fine runner-up finish in Ligue 1,” said Palace chairman Steve Parish.
“As we head into another European campaign on the back of his success at Leipzig, I know he will give his all in the aim of further success for our fantastic football club.”
More details about Sage’s backroom staff will be confirmed at a later date.
RC Lens and Seiji’s touching farewell
Ahead of the announcement of Sage’s Selhurst Park appointment, the 47-year-old posted a touching farewell to his former club RC Lens on social media.
Sage led the club to second place in Ligue 1 last season, six points behind champions Paris Saint-Germain. It was only the third time Lens had won the title since they won it in the 1997-98 season.
He said, “I have three things to tell you, Blood and Gold People.”
“First of all, bravo for the historic year we have experienced together.
“Next, I would like to thank you for every moment where we have come together with courage and strength to proudly carry on the colors of this great club, RC Lens.
“And finally, you will remain in my heart forever. May the story continue…”
Analysis: Who is Pierre Sage?
Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz:
Crystal Palace and Pierre Sage have something in common. They feel like they are lifting a trophy.
The Eagles are on a roll after winning a number of major trophies in the past 12 months – the first in the club’s history. The FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League were won under former manager Oliver Glasner, representing the club’s golden era.
Meanwhile, Sage is feeling similarly after an incredible season at Lens. He took the Ligue 1 club into title contention alongside European champions Paris Saint-Germain and they were leading at the end of February.
However, Sage’s main achievement last season was victory in the Coupe de France, which saw Lens win the first trophy in their history.
Sage, who is also Lyon’s coach, has a lot of history playing in a back three, a system that Glasner has nailed to a tee. At Lens, Sage formed an attacking team despite not being the main protagonists on the pitch in terms of possession.
All of this makes sense that Sage would be the man responsible for following Glasner’s golden era at Palace. Yes, he has never managed in the Premier League before. But neither was there before Glasner showed up in south London…
