Crystal Palace: Pierre Sage appoints new manager as RC Lens leaves to replace Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park | football news

Crystal Palace have appointed Pierre Sage as their new manager.

The Frenchman has signed a contract until the summer of 2029. The Eagles have agreed a compensation package with Ligue 1 club RC Lens to release Sage from his contract.

The 47-year-old emerged as the preferred candidate after Andoni Iraola became Liverpool’s head coach.

Palace were looking for a new boss after Oliver Glassner decided not to renew his contract at Selhurst Park, which expires on June 30.

The Austrian led the club through one of the most successful spells in their history, winning the FA Cup before signing off with victory in the Conference League final in May.

Speaking to the club’s website, Sage said: “It’s amazing to be here at Crystal Palace. I’m excited about the club’s history and recent seasons. Oliver Glasner has achieved some amazing things, and now I have to do the same. So we come here with a lot of ambition.

“The dynamic here is really positive, and we are in this mindset. We won last year – and we want to continue like this, in a new club, in 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 the rest of your life.

“We want to give the fans what they want. We want to make the fans smile, be proud of the team and be proud of the club – so we’ll do our best for you and we’re in this together.”

Speaking about the appointment, Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “I am extremely excited to welcome Pierre, who joins us off the back of a trophy-winning season at Lens and an excellent second-place finish in Ligue 1.

“On the back of our success in Leipzig as we move into another European campaign, I know he will give everything to further success for our great football club.”

More information about Sage’s backroom staff will be confirmed at a later date.

Rishi’s emotional farewell to RC Lens

Ahead of the announcement of Sage’s appointment at Selhurst Park, the 47-year-old posted an emotional farewell to former club RC Lens on social media.

Sage led the club to second place in Ligue 1 last season, six points behind champions Paris Saint-Germain. It was the third time they had reached this high in the table since they won the title in the 1997–98 season.

“Blood and gold people, I have three things to say to you,” he said.

“First, bravo for this historic year that we have experienced together.

“Next, thank you for all those moments when we mustered our courage and strength to proudly carry the colors of this great club, RC Lens.

“And finally, goodbye, you will forever be on my mind and in my heart. Let the story continue…”

Analysis: Who is Pierre Sage?

Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz:

Crystal Palace and Pierre-Emerick have something in common – they are in a trophy-winning mood.

The Eagles are on a run after winning multiple major trophies in the past 12 months – the first piece of silverware in their history. Winning the FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League under former boss Oliver Glassner represented a golden era at the club.

Sage, meanwhile, is in similar mood after an exciting season at Lens. He took the Ligue 1 club into the title race with European champions Paris Saint-Germain – and they were leading at the end of February.

But Sage’s main achievement last season was winning the Coupe de France, Lens’ first trophy in their history.

In coaching Lyon, too, there is a history of playing the Sage Back Three – a T20 system that Glasner has. At Lens, Sage managed to create an attack-minded team despite not being the main hero on the pitch in terms of possession.

It all makes sense for Sage to be in charge after Glasner’s golden period at Palace. Yes, he has never managed in the Premier League before. But before arriving in south London, Glasner had none of the…