Crystal Palace in talks with Pierre Sage for head coach role
Quick Look
- Crystal Palace are in talks with Pierre Sage to become their head coach after his successful spell at Lens.
- Andoni Iraola was also considered but is in discussions with Liverpool.
- Frank Lampard was also an option but compensation fees were a deterrent.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Crystal Palace is looking for a new head coach after Oliver Glasner's departure. Pierre Sage is a leading candidate following his success with Lens, while Andoni Iraola is being considered by Liverpool. Frank Lampard was also an option but compensation was an issue.
Crystal Palace are in talks with Pierre Sage with a view to making him their head coach after he led Lens to second in Ligue 1 this season.
Andoni Iraola was the preferred option to replace Oliver Glasner but the former Bournemouth manager is in discussions with Liverpool over succeeding Arne Slot.
Sage inherited a Lens side last June who had finished eighth and made them title contenders, finishing six points adrift of Paris Saint-Germain, and won the Coupe de France.
He was in charge of Lyon for just over a year before being sacked in January 2025.
Sage is understood to be keen to join Palace so the expectation is that a deal will be struck.
Palace also had Frank Lampard in their thoughts but were put off by the compensation fee – thought to be £5m – they would have needed to pay Coventry, whom the former England midfielder led to promotion from the Championship in April.
Glasner is departing as Palace’s most successful manager having added Conference League success last week to his FA Cup triumph last season.
He wrote an open letter to the fans on Tuesday, saying it had been a “privilege” to work there.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Crystal Palace will reach an agreement with Pierre Sage.
Likely · Within days
Andoni Iraola will not become Crystal Palace's head coach.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Will Pierre Sage accept the Crystal Palace offer?
- What are the terms of the potential deal between Crystal Palace and Pierre Sage?
- What is the timeline for Crystal Palace to announce their new head coach?
- What are Liverpool's next steps regarding Andoni Iraola?
