Pierre Sage says Crystal Palace move fulfils dream of managing in Premier League | OneFootball

Pierre Sage says joining Crystal Palace on a contract to 2029 fulfils a long-held ambition to work in the Premier League after a successful season with Lens.

Speaking to L'Équipe, the 47-year-old said it was “a dream, to go to the Premier League one day”. He added, “When people tell me, ‘You are not going to play the Champions League,’ I answer, ‘No, but I will play the Champions League every weekend in the Premier League.’”

Last season he was named Ligue 1 coach of the year after guiding Lens to second place and the first Coupe de France in the club’s history.

Reflecting on his early June exit, he said, “For me it comes from something deeper. I did not have a career before. My professional life in football runs from 45 to 60. I may not be on the same timings as others.”

He framed the move to the Eagles as seizing a rare chance, saying, “I am coming to the conclusion the train will not pass again”, and noted that three years ago he was only an assistant at Red Star.

Source: L'Équipe