Pierre Sage will take charge of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park for the first time when the Eagles begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign against Manchester City.
In an in-depth interview published in the matchday programme, the Frenchman reflected on a demanding first summer in south London. His work has included managing players returning from the World Cup at different times, overseeing pre-season camps in Italy and Germany, settling into the training ground and working with the recruitment department as Palace added six first-team signings at the time of the interview.
Sage’s route to the Premier League has taken him through France, Spain, Switzerland and Portugal. He earned his French A licence at the age of 25 and progressed from amateur football to Lyon’s academy before being handed the interim first-team role when the club dismissed its manager. Results and performances led to that temporary appointment becoming a longer-term opportunity, with Lyon eventually reaching the Europa League qualification places and the cup final.
His most recent achievement came at RC Lens, where he guided the club to its first Coupe de France triumph and second place in the French top flight, behind Paris Saint-Germain. Sage believes Palace’s history and support make the club comparable to Lens, while stressing that the Eagles’ identity extends beyond the three trophies won across the previous two seasons.
With Palace preparing for their first Europa League campaign in 2026/27, Sage wants to build a side that reflects the connection between the team and its supporters. He also sees the meeting with Manchester City as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, insisting that Palace must combine humility with the belief that they can beat the Premier League’s biggest teams.
