Crystal Palace close to appointing Lens head coach Pierre Sage | OneFootball

Crystal Palace are close to an agreement to appoint Lens head coach Pierre Sage as their new manager, according to NY Times.

Palace have been seeking a successor to Oliver Glasner, who departs this summer at the end of his contract. In January he confirmed he would leave in June, shortly after captain Marc Guehi was confirmed as departing for Manchester City.

Sage, 47, led Lens to second in Ligue 1 and won the Coupe de France by beating Nice, the club’s first triumph. He previously managed Lyon from January 2024 to January 2025.

Palace wanted a rapid appointment ahead of pre-season in a World Cup year, despite interest in outgoing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola. Once it became clear Iraola was to join Liverpool, their focus shifted to Sage.

Glasner, who replaced Roy Hodgson in February 2024, delivered the FA Cup, the Community Shield and the Europa Conference League, capped by a 1-0 final win over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig, before Palace finished 15th yet qualified for the Europa League.

Sage has impressed at Lyon and Lens, favours intensive pressing akin to Glasner, and adapts his setups. His assistant and academy background, and work with young players, fit Palace’s priorities.

He must ready the squad for the Europa League, shape transfer plans and manage possible departures, with many away at the World Cup. Improving on last season’s league finish and reaching the Europa League knockouts is a credible aim, dependent on depth and quality.

Source: NY Times