Crystal Palace have now officially announced Pierre Sage as their new manager, the permanent replacement for Oliver Glasner.
The Eagles declared on 15 June 2026: “Crystal Palace Football Club are delighted to confirm the appointment of Pierre Sage as Manager. Last season’s Ligue 1 Manager of the Year, and Coupe de France winner, Sage has signed a three year contract to lead the Eagles, pending confirmation of his visa.”
It marks a stunning rise to Premier League management for the 47 year old, who never held a senior managerial post until January 2024. Sage previously worked in a number of roles, including as a sports coordinator, technical director, scout, and youth coach, before becoming manager at Lyon between January 2024 and January 2025. He then spent the 2025/26 season with Lens.
A trophy winning season
The Crystal Palace official statement highlighted Sage’s achievements: “The 47 year old Frenchman arrives off the back of an extraordinary first season in charge of RC Lens, not only securing the club’s first ever Coupe de France trophy, having reached the Final for the first time in 28 years but also qualification for the UEFA Champions League for just the fourth time in their history.
“Lens’ development under Sage saw them register a six place and 18 point improvement in Ligue 1 in just a single season, leading the table for six matchweeks. His tenure at Lens concluded with a 67.5 win percentage in all competitions.”
A journey through French football
Palace also covered Sage’s work before Lens: “Sage also made an outstanding impact at Olympique Lyonnais, initially being appointed Interim Manager in November 2023 at a point the team were bottom of the Ligue 1 table. Les Gones went on to win 15 of their next 20 league matches under Sage, securing UEFA Europa League qualification and reaching another Coupe de France Final.
“Also previously serving as assistant manager at Lyon Duchère and Red Star, while fulfilling a variety of roles throughout French football, Sage’s career spanning over two decades, has seen him develop extensive experience across numerous holistic levels and disciplines in the game.”
What the club and manager said
Chairman Steve Parish said: “I am tremendously excited to welcome Pierre, who joins us off the back of a trophy winning season at Lens as well as a fabulous second place finish in Ligue 1. As we move into another European campaign off the back of our success in Leipzig, I know he will give everything to target more success for our fantastic Football Club.”
Sage himself stated: “It’s amazing to be here at Crystal Palace. I am excited by the history of the club, and by recent seasons. Oliver Glasner achieved some amazing things, and now I have to do the same. That’s why we come here with a lot of ambition.
“The dynamic here is really positive, and we are in this mindset too. We won last year and we want to continue in this way, in a new club, a new project, but with a lot of winning habits.
“We want to give our best every day for the team, for the club, for the people, and especially for the fans, because when you love a club in England, it’s for all your life.
“We want to give the fans what they want. We want to make the fans smile, to be proud of the team, and to be proud of the club, so we will give our best for you, and we are together.”
Premier League manager landscape
This is now the current position for permanent Premier League managers as at 16 June 2026:
Manager Club Appointed
Mikel Arteta Arsenal 22 December 2019
Eddie Howe Newcastle United 8 November 2021
Unai Emery Aston Villa 1 November 2022
Daniel Farke Leeds 4 July 2023
Regis Le Bris Sunderland 1 July 2024
Fabian Hurzeler Brighton 2 July 2024
Frank Lampard Coventry 28 November 2024
David Moyes Everton 11 January 2025
Sergej Jakirovic Hull 11 June 2025
Keith Andrews Brentford 27 June 2025
Michael Carrick Man Utd 13 January 2026
Vitor Pereira Nottingham Forest 15 February 2026
Roberto De Zerbi Tottenham 31 March 2026
Marco Rose Bournemouth 1 June 2026
Andoni Iraola Liverpool 4 June 2026
Pierre Sage Crystal Palace 15 June 2026
Xabi Alonso Chelsea Set to take over 1 July 2026
Three clubs remain without permanent managers: Fulham, Manchester City, and Ipswich Town.
The bottom line
A 47 year old who was a sports coordinator, scout and youth coach. A man who took Lyon from bottom of Ligue 1 to Europa League qualification. A manager who won Lens their first ever Coupe de France and delivered Champions League football.
Now he’s at Crystal Palace, replacing Oliver Glasner.
Pierre Sage’s rise has been remarkable. His CV is unconventional. His track record is undeniable.
Palace have taken a gamble on a French coach with a trophy winning habit. Europe awaits. The Premier League beckons.
And Sage is ready to make the fans smile.
