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Pierre Sage, who impressed greatly with Lens last season, has been appointed as the new manager of Crystal Palace. The Frenchman has signed a three-year contract.
Sage takes over from Oliver Glasner, who chose not to renew his contract when it expired at the end of the season. Glasner had a fantastic spell at Selhurst Park – winning both the FA Cup and Conference League – and leaves behind a solid squad for Sage to build on.
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Second coaching job – already a success
The 47-year-old Frenchman took over at Lens just twelve months ago. In his second ever coaching role, he immediately impressed: He led Lens to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 last season. In addition, they won the Coupe de France for the first time in the club’s history.
“We want the fans to smile”
A clearly excited Sage spoke to the club’s website shortly after his appointment:
“It’s fantastic to be here at Crystal Palace. I am excited about the club’s history and about what has happened in the last few seasons. Oliver Glasner achieved amazing things, and now it’s my turn to do the same. That is why we come here with great ambitions.
“The dynamic here is very positive, and we share that mindset. We won last year, and we want to continue in the same way – at a new club, in a new project, but with winning habits intact.
“We will give everything every single day for the team, for the club, for the people and especially for the fans. Because in England: Once you love a club, it’s for life.
“We want to give the fans exactly what they want. We want to make the fans smile. We want them to be proud of the team and of the club. We promise to do our utmost – together we stand strong.
A coup for Palace
Sage’s appointment is a small coup for Crystal Palace and chairman Steve Parish. He stated:
“I am incredibly excited to welcome Pierre. He comes to us after a trophy-filled season at Lens, as well as a fantastic second place in Ligue 1.
“Now we are entering a new European campaign after the success in Leipzig. I know that he will give everything to ensure more success for our fantastic football club.
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